The start of NHL free agency is exactly one week away. While that is the case, the Columbus Blue Jackets have still not re-signed pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) forward Mason Marchment.

Now, an update has been provided on Marchment with free agency almost here.

According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, "a pretty robust market" is developing for Marchment if he ends up testing free agency. However, LeBrun also reported that the Blue Jackets are still in contact with Marchment and could continue to try to re-sign him leading up to July 1.

It is not surprising that Marchment is expected to have a lot of interest around the league if he ends up hitting the market. With wingers like Alex Tuch and Bobby McMann now off the board, Marchment is only standing out more as one of the best pending UFA wingers for this summer.

Yet, given how well Marchment played for the Blue Jackets this season, they should be working hard to keep him in Columbus. Losing him would create a major hole in their forward group, and it would not be easy replacing him. 

In 39 games with the Blue Jackets after being acquired from the Seattle Kraken, Marchment had 15 goals, 17 assists, 32 points, and a plus-21 rating. This strong finish to the season should help Marchment land himself a nice payday this off-season. It will be interesting to see if the Blue Jackets end up being the team that gives him it.