Columbus Blue Jackets' forward Cole Sillinger's favorite player growing up might make some Edmonton Oiler fans feel old.
The Edmonton Oilers have had an up and down trajectory as an organization. From the dynasty of the 80's to the decade of darkness in the late 2000's to late 2010's, Oilers fans have seen a lot.
Related: Study Shows Oilers' Fans Are Some of the NHL's Biggest Drinkers
Fortunately for the organization, the dark times have produced some great players. Many of those players have moved on, either through trades, expiring contracts or retirement. Some of those players are now the favorite players of the next generation of NHLers coming through the ranks.
Cole Sillinger battles Brett Kulak.Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger is one of these players. Cole is the son of Mike Sillinger - who spent some time with the Oilers in a player development role. He was Director of Player Development from 2009 to 2014.
Related: Art Ross & Richard Trophies Are McDavid's To Lose
Cole has changed his jersey number from 34 to 4. This is an homage to his favorite player growing up - Taylor Hall. Hall spent six years with the team, from the 2010-11 season until the infamous "one-for-one" trade the summer after the 2015-16 season concluded.
Former Edmonton Oilers forward, Taylor Hall.Cole was born in 2003, so he would have been six years old when his father was with the Oilers. Mike being a part of the organization would no doubt create curiosity in young Cole's mind.
While Hall was with the Oilers he was a tremendously impactful player. It's unsurprising to hear that he was an influence on the next generation of hockey players.
Related: Oilers Announce New Director of Analytics
Related: Oilers' Line Combinations at Training Camp
Related: Oilers' Best Prospect is the Next Mattias Ekholm
Related: Oilers' Skinner & Campbell Tandem Could Be One of NHL's Bests in 2023-24