Between now and the start of camp we will finish our Top 25 Under 25 countdown. Thanks to the 74 readers who submitted ballots in this year’s ranking of Columbus Blue Jackets players and prospects under the age of 25.
#7 Cole Sillinger
Voting
7th out of 42 eligible players
Writer Rank: 7th
Reader Rank: 7th
Highest Placement: 1st (1 vote)
Most Common Placement: 8th (12 votes)
2023 Rank: 7th (same)
Biography
Birthdate: May 16th, 2003
Birthplace: Columbus, Ohio
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 199 lbs
Position: C
Catches: Left
Acquired: Drafted in the 1st Round (12th Overall) in 2021
2023-24 Season
After a rough sophomore season, Sillinger bounced back with a season more like his promising rookie year. He tallied 13-19-32 in 79 games and had a much-improved goal differential at even strength, -5 vs -22. The acquisition of Alex Nylander mid-season jump-started the scoring of Sillinger before the influx of injuries depleted the roster. The defensive game seems to have developed, but Cole’s shot has not been the weapon it was touted to be, and the skating remains a concern. Cole Sillinger signed a 2 year 4.5M extension this summer, clearly there is belief in the player from the organization.
2024-25 Outlook
It continues to be worth mentioning how young Cole Sillinger still is. Despite being an established veteran with over 200 games played, he just reached the legal drinking age this past summer. And while It is impossible to ignore the first 2 years when evaluating the potential of a young player, how many players would have thrived in that situation? The ceiling may no longer be as high once hoped for, but writers like Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler from The Athletic still see a solid NHL 3C with scoring upside. Pronman has Sillinger as the 5th highest rated player under 23 in the Columbus Pipeline.
Dean Evanson will be sure to love the physical and competitive nature of Cole Sillinger and it’s easy to envision him getting plenty of ice time. He should slot into the 3C role behind Monahan and Fantilli and continue to get PK work. This could be the long-term role of SIllinger in this organization and this could be the year he proves he can excel in it. With a clearly defined role, more established linemates, and the coaching of a veteran NHL coach, there will be opportunities for Cole what he’s got.
This roster will need Sillinger to not just drive play, but to score. The talent is in there, let’s see if this the coaching staff and the year to get it out of him.