Columbus Blue Jackets to Re-Sign Cole Sillinger

The Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly close to re-signing one of their top young players. According to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline, the Blue Jackets are "within striking distance" of signing forward Cole Sillinger to a two-year contract.

Sounds as if #CBJ and restricted free agent Cole Sillinger are within striking distance of a contract. Will likely be a two-year deal.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) August 9, 2024

Sillinger, 21, is coming off a solid season with the Blue Jackets, as he posted 13 goals to go along with a career high 32 points in 77 games played. He also took his physicality to a new level this past season, as he set a career high with 119 hits on the year.

Overall, Sillinger took a nice step forward in his development this past year, so it makes sense that the Blue Jackets are keeping him around. With this new contract expected to be for two years, it will be a nice bridge deal for the 2021 first-round pick once it is finalized.

Sillinger has all the tools to become a solid top-six forward in the NHL, and he has the potential to take another big step forward next season because of it. This is especially so when noting that he is still only 21 years old.

It will now be interesting to see what kind of season Sillinger can put together during the 2024-25 season from here.