Mason Marchment didn’t just show up in Columbus-he came in like a wrecking ball.
Since arriving via trade, the 6-foot-5 winger has wasted no time making an impact. In just 14 games with the Blue Jackets, Marchment has racked up 9 goals and 4 assists for 13 points, with a +9 rating. He’s also shooting an eye-popping 36%-a number that’s bound to come back to earth, but still speaks to just how dialed in he’s been since pulling on the Union Blue.
The chemistry he’s found with linemates Kirill Marchenko and Adam Fantilli has been immediate and impressive. Defensively, the trio has been rock-solid, posting a team-low expected goals against rate of 1.88 per 60 minutes (minimum 100 minutes on ice). That mark ranks 20th in the league among 158 offensive and defensive line combinations-no small feat for a newly formed unit.
Offensively, their expected goals for rate (2.43 per 60) is actually the lowest on the team, suggesting their scoring chances have cooled off a bit since Marchment’s initial burst. But here’s the thing: the results are still there. This line is producing, both on the scoresheet and in the structure of Rick Bowness’ system, and Marchment’s presence has been a big reason why.
Now, the focus shifts to the future. Marchment’s current contract-a four-year deal with a $4.5 million AAV signed with Dallas back in 2022-is set to expire at the end of the season. That means the 30-year-old is on track to hit unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career.
And make no mistake: Columbus needs to lock him down.
Marchment may not be part of the Blue Jackets’ youthful core-guys like Fantilli, Denton Mateychuk, and Marchenko-but he’s a perfect fit within the team’s veteran nucleus. At 30 (soon to be 31), he’s right in the sweet spot age-wise alongside players like Zach Werenski, Ivan Provorov, and Sean Monahan. He’s not over the hill, and his game doesn’t suggest any signs of slowing down.
What he brings to the table is exactly what this team needs in its top six: size, grit, and a shoot-first mentality. He’s relentless on the forecheck, wins puck battles, and isn’t afraid to stir the pot.
At 6’5” and 212 pounds, he’s a physical presence who knows how to use his frame effectively. And in Bowness’ system, he’s clearly embraced the role of a trigger man-one who complements the playmaking of Fantilli and the finishing touch of Marchenko.
From a roster-building perspective, Marchment fits both the present and the future. He aligns with the team’s competitive window and offers a blend of veteran savvy and on-ice production that’s hard to replace.
If Marchment’s next deal comes in around $5.5 million AAV over five or six years, that’s a contract the Blue Jackets should feel good about. It’s a fair price for a player who’s proven he can thrive in a top-six role and elevate those around him.
Bottom line: Mason Marchment has earned his place in Columbus. He’s not just a short-term spark-he’s a long-term piece. As the Blue Jackets look ahead to their 26th season, keeping Marchment in the fold should be at the top of the to-do list.