Blue Jackets forward hit with maximum punishment after ugly incident against Panthers

Mathieu Olivier's rough week just got more expensive.

The Columbus Blue Jackets forward has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowed under the CBA, for a high-sticking play on Uvis Balinskis during Tuesday night's game against the Florida Panthers.

The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund, as it does with every fine like this.

Before now, the 29-year-old had never been fined or suspended in his NHL career, despite plenty of physical play.

Florida won 7-3 at Nationwide Arena.

Brady Tkachuk scored a natural hat trick in the second period, and his brother Matthew had five assists.

Olivier's night ended early when he picked up a five-minute major and a game misconduct for slashing Uvis Balinskis, and Carter Verhaeghe scored on that power play to push the Panthers ahead 4-1.

Olivier owned it after the game. He apologized to his teammates for putting them in a tough spot and took the blame himself.

Coming from a player who rarely crosses that line, it was a notable moment of frustration.

A $5,000 fine is pocket change next to the six-year, $18 million extension Olivier signed in March 2025.

The bigger concern is the discipline.

The Blue Jackets dropped to 2-3 on the season, and they handed Florida six power plays, four of which turned into goals.

Olivier has two goals through five games this season.

Because he was fined rather than suspended, Olivier stays in the lineup.

Columbus hosts the New York Rangers on Saturday, and the coaching staff will want to see him stay on the right side of the line while still bringing the physical edge he's known for.

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