The Columbus Blue Jackets have been arguably the biggest surprise of the 2024-25 NHL season, holding onto a playoff spot as the trade deadline approaches. Entering the year, it was a safe bet the Blue Jackets would be sellers at the deadline.

As reported by The Athletic on Monday, the Blue Jackets are close to signing tough winger Mathieu Olivier to a long-term contract extension. Olivier, a pending unrestricted free agent, has emerged as perhaps the NHL’s top fighter, as well as a leader and a secondary scorer (12 goals) for Columbus this season.

The 4 Nations Face-Off proved to be exactly what the NHL needed and then some, as not only did the tournament pull in some monster ratings, but it got the entire sports world talking. So, in the league's first major event since then,

Pregame analysis and predictions of the Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Tampa Bay Lightning NHL game to be played on March 4, 2025 on ESPN.

Pomp, circumstance, tradition and moments to remember from the Blue Jackets' victory over the Red Wings at Ohio Stadium