"That was really cool to see": Adam Fantilli reveals the story behind Mathieu Oliver and Matt Rempe fight

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Aug 24, 2024 05:01 GMT

On Friday's episode of "Dropping the Gloves" podcast, Adam Fantilli discussed the fight between Matt Rempe and Mathieu Olivier. The fight happened on Feb. 26 and got fans talking when Olivier knocked down Rempe. Fantilli explained that the fight wasn't just a spur-of-the-moment thing.

Recalling the story behind the fight, Fantilli said:

"Yeah, I mean, I'm pretty sure Rempe fought the game before, and Olivier, he was saying that like he asked them he’s like, 'Listen, man, if you needed...' because we were playing them like another like next night or whatever back in New York, and Olivier was saying like, 'Listen, man, if you need a night...' like, whatever, and I’m pretty sure the story goes: he said, 'No, like we’ll go tonight all right.'"

Fantilli described Olivier as one of the most intimidating players when angry and said:

"Olivier is one of scariest human beings when he’s p***ed off I’ve ever seen, so he definitely got the best of Rempe in that fight, but he had so much respect for Rempe for actually going and dropping them two nights in a row, or whatever it was, two games in a row. So yeah, that was really cool to see."

Adam Fantilli discusses Patrik Laine's return and locker room dynamics

Adam Fantilli also discussed several topics on the "Dropping the Gloves" podcast, including Patrik Laine’s situation. He said:

"Yeah, obviously he had some personal things he had to take care of. That's why he entered the program, and I've talked to him, and it seems like he's doing well, seems like he's ready to get back into the game and into the grind of things.

"He felt like he needed to change his scenery. He got that. Patty did a lot for me when I came to the team. He let me stay with him, took me out to a bunch of dinners. So he was a great teammate to me. I wish them all the best to be honest."

Fantilli also responded to a question about GM Don Waddell's comments on Laine avoiding the Blue Jackets' locker room. He didn’t know the exact reason but suggested it might be related to issues with the previous coach. Fantilli described the current locker room as a positive and welcoming place.

Fantilli is expected to play a key role, likely centering the second line behind Sean Monahan under new coach Dean Evason.