Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Cole Sillinger is part of the foundation

Drafted 12th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Cole Sillinger burst on to the NHL scene by making the Blue Jackets roster as an 18 year old. In his rookie campaign, he never looked out of place. He scored timely goals, made good decisions with the puck, and showed fans why he was worthy of the 12th overall pick.

After suffering a sophomore slump in the 2022-2023 season, all eyes were on him if he could bounce back last year. Fortunately for the Blue Jackets, Sillinger returned to his rookie form. He scored 32 points and had a -4 plus/minus rating. He played in 77 of the 82 games and looked like the confident rookie that he had been just 2 seasons earlier.

It’s good news that he was able to regain his rookie form this past season. However, it would be even better news if he can grow and become even better. If he can develop his offensive game, then he will really help the Blue Jackets become competitive again.

Sillinger will be expected to play in the middle six, with an emphasis on the third line center position. He has shown himself to be a good, two-way center that can be hard to play against. Sillinger will quickly become one of Coach Dean Evason’s favorite players. I fully expect Evason to utilize him in all situations, but particularly against the opponents’ top players.

Sillinger just signed a two-year contract extension that carries an AAV of $2.25 million. For a young center, that is a good contract. The contract is ideal for both the player and the team. He gets to prove his worth for a raise in his next contract and the team gets to have a good, young center at a relatively low cap hit. It is a win-win for both sides.

When Sillinger’s contract expires, he will still be a restricted free agent. If he continues to develop, I expect management to sign him to a longer extension, as they have identified him as a key piece of the organization going forward.

One bold prediction: Cole Sillinger will score more than 20 goals this upcoming season.

This may not be very bold but is still something that Sillinger has not achieved yet in his young career. Sillinger has never exceeded 32 points in a single season or 16 goals in a single season. I expect that he will exceed both totals this season.

If he can stay healthy for most of the season (which he has shown that he can do consistently), he can definitely increase his point totals from the low 30s to above 40. If he can do that, I fully expect his goal total will be the driving force behind that point increase. I don’t think it is out of the question for him to score 20 or more goals this season.

Cole Sillinger will be a key player for the Blue Jackets this season and in the future. I expect him to play in the middle six forward group, but primarily be an anchor on the third line for the CBJ. His growth and development will be important for this team to take the next step.