Mathieu Olivier picks toughest players in NHL following his fight with 6'2" Leafs winger

Mathieu Olivier believes Toronto Maple Leafs winger Ryan Reaves, Philadelphia Flyers winger Nicolas Deslauriers and Montreal Canadiens defenceman Arber Xhekaj are among the toughest players he has fought in the league.

Olivier has been involved in numerous scuffles in his NHL career. In December 2024, Olivier fought twice in one game against the Boston Bruins. He took on Mark Kastelic early in the game and later fought Nikita Zadorov.

He also dropped the gloves with the 6-foot-2 Reaves last month, with the two trading blows for over 40 seconds.

During an appearance on "The Cam & Strick Podcast," Mathieu Olivier was asked if he was the toughest player in the NHL. He admitted that he was "up there" but named other strong players as well.

"I'm up there," Olivier said. "I still think that there are some guys in the league that are really, really tough. I think Deslauriers (Nicolas Deslauriers) is up there; I think (Ryan) Reaves has still got it—obviously, he's been doing it for a while and is still there. (Arber) Xhekaj's a tough kid. You know, Ross Johnston, for me, doesn’t get enough credit for how tough he is.

"I'm sure I’m forgetting a few—Marcus Foligno. You know, those are really tough guys. So whenever you can hang with those guys, then yeah, I think you’re a tough guy. But those guys are still there."

Mathieu Olivier is in his sixth NHL season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He's been involved in 100 scuffles, as per Hockey Fights.

Mathieu Olivier scores in Columbus' loss to NYR

The Columbus Blue Jackets lost 4-3 to the New York Rangers at home. Mathieu Olivier recorded seven shots on goal in 20:06 minutes of ice time.

Arthur Kaliyev scored first with a wraparound goal. Kent Johnson tied it with a sharp-angle shot from Zach Werenski’s pass. Justin Danforth made it 2-1 by deflecting a Jack Johnson shot.

In the second period, Mika Zibanejad tied the game during 4-on-4 play with a goal from Adam Fox’s pass. James van Riemsdyk gave Columbus a 3-2 lead with a backdoor tap-in from Damon Severson.

Early in the third, Urho Vaakanainen tied it 3-3 with a deflection. Will Cuylle scored the game-winner late in the third from the right circle. Columbus has lost four games in a row.