The Columbus Blue Jackets want to keep 27-year-old forward Nick Foligno in Ohio and have reached out to his agent to express their interest in a contract extension, according to a report from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Acquired by the Blue Jackets in a trade with the Ottawa Senators in 2012, Foligno is a consistent top-six forward with significant physical upside. The sturdy winger, a pending unrestricted free agent, is enjoying something of a timely breakout campaign.

Foligno has scored 10 goals and added 12 assists in 23 games this season, and has emerged as a net-front ace on a very potent Blue Jackets power play.

Based on his age, reputation and offensive track record, Foligno may be one of the most highly sought-after forwards on the market should he make it to July 1. It's no surprise the Blue Jackets would prefer to work something out with Foligno long before that happens, but doing so will surely cost them.