Blue Jackets center Cole Sillinger takes the ice this fall with fresh expectations. After carving out a defensively responsible niche on the Blue Jackets’ third line last season, he’s likely shifting to the wing alongside veteran center Charlie Coyle. That positional tweak could unlock a new level of offense for Columbus’s homegrown talent. And since was literally born in Columbus, so you could say he’s literally homegrown.
Last season, Sillinger appeared in 66 games, tallying 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points, exactly a 0.50 points per game average. On a third line built for shutdown shifts, he excelled at zone coverage, backchecking and penalty killing.
Head coach Dean Evason praised his work ethic, which we can note is evidenced by the fact that Sillinger blocked 35 shots and slugged 74 hits, which are right around his career averages. Yet behind the gritty stats, scouts recognized his quick release and accurate snapshot; wondering if a freer role might ignite more scoring. The challenge was clear: maintain his defensive prowess while tapping into his latent offensive flair.
This upcoming campaign, he might just get that opportunity. The new role: playing the wing on the Charlie Coyle line. Columbus enters 2025–26 with a likely two man combination on their third line: slot Sillinger on the wing of the third line, with Charlie Coyle at center. This duo blends veteran savvy, two‐way acumen and youthful speed. On paper, their responsibilities will look like this:
• Charlie Coyle (C): Face-off anchor, cycle veteran, primary puck distributor
• Cole Sillinger (W): Release his shot, jump into high‐danger areas, stretch defensive coverage
Add someone like the new scoring specialist Mathieu Oliver to that line? Hoo boy! What a nightmare to have to play against.
Freed from centering duties, Sillinger can focus on timing his offensive bursts. He should see more even-strength minutes in the offensive zone, plus occasional power‐play shifts on a shallow third unit. The key will be juggling his aggressive instincts with the defensive benchmarks Evason demands.
Sillinger’s shot charts from recent seasons reveal a lethal one‐timer from the slot and a knack for quick wristers on the rush. Now, rather than surveying in the centerman’s circle, he’ll set up in the slot more often. If he can get over some possible reassignment growing pains while keeping his snarl, Silly could be a joy to watch this season.
One bold prediction: Cole Sillinger hits the 20 goal plateau.
Heading into 2025–26, Cole Sillinger projects as a 45–50 point contributor, centered on a 15–20 goal plateau. More importantly, he represents the evolution of Columbus’s rebuild: homegrown talent learning multiple roles, then unleashing its full arsenal. He may have spent the past two years wearing the defensive cape, but this season I believe he sheds it for a chance to score with reckless efficiency. This should be fun to watch.