The Jackets cant't give up on Cole Sillinger
Cole Sillinger came into the league in 2021 and played his heart out. He was instantly a fan favorite on draft day when his name was called. Sillinger, a Columbus born Canadian, was the 12th overall pick in 2021. His dad Mike played in Columbus from 2001 to 2003. Everyone loved the elder Sillinger, so it was only right everyone love Cole.
Cole made the CBJ roster in 2021 right out of camp. He played hard every shift and scored some goals. In fact, the puck exploded off his stick. He was exciting to watch. There hasn’t been too many 18-year-olds make the Jackets out of camp, so this was cool to see.
That first season saw him play 79 games for the Blue Jackets. On a team that wasn’t very good, he scored 16 goals and had 31 points. He was also not afraid to step up and get in a scrum from time to time. He had a faceoff percentage of 46.5%, not shabby for a young guy. Sillinger also averaged almost 14 minutes a game. His play made an impression on a lot of people.
Everyone knows that the 2022-23 Blue Jackets were often injured and didn’t play well, and usually there are one or two players on such a team that rise above, but not in his case. Last season saw Sillinger take a major step backwards, the dreaded sophomore slump. In 64 games for the CBJ he scored only 3 goals and had 11 points. His time on ice was nearly the same as his rookie season, but his stats fell off. Late in the season a decision was made to send Cole down to Cleveland and get some games in the AHL under his belt. He played 11 games with the Monsters, scoring 2 goals and totaling 6 points.
Many feel that Sillinger should start in the AHL this season to get his groove back. While some think he’s earned the right to get his groove back with the big club, but with so many centers on this team suddenly, that may be hard for him to do. So maybe starting in Cleveland, playing with his brother Owen, and having some fun again may give him that spark he needs. Having Boone Jenner, Adam Fantilli, Sean Kuraly and Jack Roslovic playing center, as well as Kent Johnson who seems to be chomping at the bit to get his chance, it may be hard for young Cole Sillinger to keep a spot this season. If the Jackets do trade Roslovic this summer, that may make it easier for Cole to earn a spot. Hopefully the Jackets don't give up on him too soon.
It's going to tough for Cole to make this Blue Jackets team this season, but everyone is rooting hard for him. He’s an easy player to like and if he is anything like his dad, he won’t let a little adversity stop him from being the best player he can be.