Sillinger's Blue Jackets Extension
Blue Jackets Lock Up Cole Sillinger to Three-Year Extension, Cementing Key Middle-Six Role
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Key Points
1
Sillinger was selected No. 12 overall in the 2021 NHL Draft and debuted as the NHL's youngest player in 2021-22.
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Last season he tallied 33 points (8 goals, 25 assists) in 81 games, matching his 33-point total from the prior season.
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On a line with Charlie Coyle and Mathieu Olivier, he formed one of the league's more effective third lines, contributing to the Blue Jackets' middle-six depth.
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Jet Greaves signed a three-year, $15 million contract earlier in the week, underscoring Columbus' commitment to depth and cap planning alongside Sillinger's deal.
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No Blue Jacket has ever reached an arbitration hearing, with the franchise consistently avoiding arbitration, including in Sillinger's deal.
The Columbus Blue Jackets re-signed forward Cole Sillinger to a three-year, $13.875 million contract, avoiding a scheduled July 27 arbitration hearing, according to The Columbus Dispatch. The deal carries an average annual value of $4.625 million and keeps the 23-year-old locked up through the 2028-29 season.
The signing leaves general manager Don Waddell with roughly $14.495 million in cap space, Head Topics reported. That room will matter as Columbus still needs to sign star center Adam Fantilli, one of the team's most important young players.
Sillinger Went From Draft Pick to Trusted Role Player
Columbus selected Sillinger 12th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. He debuted that same season as the youngest player in the NHL. Five seasons later, he has grown into a dependable two-way forward who can play center or wing as needed, according to Union and Blue.
Last season, Sillinger posted 33 points — 8 goals and 25 assists — in 81 games. That matched his 33-point total from the year before. He is not a top-line scorer, but the Blue Jackets value him as a reliable middle-six contributor who plays a complete game on both ends of the ice.
A Third-Line Chemistry That Caught the League's Attention
Sillinger's best work last season came alongside Charlie Coyle and Mathieu Olivier. That trio formed one of the more effective third lines in the NHL. Their combination of two-way play and physical presence helped anchor the middle of the Columbus lineup.
That line production is a big reason the Blue Jackets moved quickly to lock Sillinger up. His ability to shift between center and wing gives Columbus real roster flexibility. That versatility is hard to find and even harder to replace on a budget.
Blue Jackets Build Depth With Back-to-Back Signings
Sillinger's deal came just days after Columbus signed goaltender Jet Greaves to a three-year, $15 million contract. Together, the two signings show the team's focus on locking up young, affordable depth pieces while managing the salary cap carefully, according to Yahoo Sports.
No Blue Jacket has ever gone to an arbitration hearing. The franchise has consistently found ways to reach deals before that point. Sillinger's signing keeps that streak alive, according to Winnipeg Free Press.
Fantilli Unsigned as Cap Puzzle Takes Shape
The biggest name still without a contract in Columbus is Adam Fantilli. The young center is viewed as one of the team's cornerstone players. With roughly $14.5 million in cap space remaining, Waddell has room to work, but Fantilli's deal is expected to be a significant number.
Signing Sillinger at $4.625 million per year is seen as smart cap management. It keeps a proven depth forward in place without breaking the bank. Fans and analysts alike view it as a prudent move that protects the team's flexibility heading into a critical offseason, according to The Columbus Dispatch.
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