Mathieu Olivier’s battle back from injury and Blue Jackets’ unexpected locker room controversy

In the fast-paced world of the NHL, careers are fleeting. Players push their limits, knowing they don’t have the luxury of decades in the game. Mathieu Olivier is no exception. His $18 million contract extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets is proof of his perseverance, but his journey to this point has been anything but easy. Injuries, setbacks, and a trade that came at a crucial moment; Olivier has faced it all.


The 2022 NHL Draft was, as always, a period filled with anticipation, rumors, and high-stakes trades. One such move saw Mathieu Olivier traded from the Nashville Predators to the Columbus Blue Jackets. On the surface, it seemed like another routine roster shift, but the reality was far more complex. Just weeks before, Olivier had been battling a serious injury that nearly derailed his career.
While speaking on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, Olivier revealed just how severe his condition was. “Hurt my back in camp and took a while to figure out what it was,” he shared. What initially seemed minor turned out to be a herniated disc pressing against his sciatic nerve. “My left leg was completely dead—I couldn’t walk for more than two minutes.”
Like any dedicated athlete, Olivier tried to power through the pain, delaying surgery and attempting to play despite the discomfort. However, the injury proved too severe. Eventually, he underwent a minimally invasive procedure that allowed him to recover much faster than traditional surgery would have. By March, he was back on his feet and feeling stronger than ever. But just as he was getting comfortable, the trade happened.

Olivier took the transition in stride, embracing his new role with the Blue Jackets. However, the team soon found itself at the center of an unusual controversy, one that had nothing to do with performance on the ice. The issue? A lack of space in the team’s locker room.
Veteran journalist Aaron Portzline broke the surprising news on X, revealing that Columbus had more players than available stalls. This led to an awkward arrangement where center Cole Sillinger was forced to sit in the middle of the room with only a temporary locker, right next to a trash can.
For an NHL franchise worth millions, such conditions seem almost unthinkable. While not intentional, the setup underscored the challenges Columbus faced in managing its roster and facilities. Whether this logistical headache impacts team morale remains to be seen, but it certainly raised eyebrows across the league.
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Despite the chaos surrounding his transition, Mathieu Olivier remains focused on proving himself in Columbus. Now, with the Blue Jackets aiming for a turnaround, Olivier will be looking to make his presence felt, on and off the ice.