Although the Columbus Blue Jackets currently occupy the top wildcard berth in the Eastern Conference — and have been surging as of late — general manager Don Waddell has a couple of tough decisions to make ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers continue to be active in the leadup to the NHL trade deadline. The Panthers acquired goaltender Vitek Vanecek on Wednesday from the San Jose Sharks for 25-year-old forward Patrick Giles, the teams announced.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward Mathieu Olivier to a long-term contract extension. General manager Don Waddell announced Wednesday that Olivier signed a six-year deal worth $18 million. Olivier will count $3 million against the salary cap from when the agreement kicks in next NHL season through 2030-31.

In the midst of one of his best NHL campaigns, the Columbus Blue Jackets locked up forward Mathieu Olivier on a six-year deal on Wednesday.

Now signed through the 2030-31 season, Olivier has set career highs with 12-9-21, 113 PIM and 232 hits in 61 contests in 2024-25