Cole Sillinger

Early Life and Family

Cole Sillinger was born on May 16, 2003, in Columbus, Ohio, the third son of Karla Dreger Sillinger and former NHL forward Mike Sillinger. His birth city holds a unique connection to his professional career, as his father was playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets at the time of his birth. The family moved frequently during Mike Sillinger's lengthy NHL career, with brief residences in Phoenix, Arizona, St. Louis, Missouri, and Garden City, New York, corresponding to his father's stints with the Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and New York Islanders. He ultimately grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, which he considers his hometown and from where he represents Hockey Canada in international competition. Hockey runs deeply in the family, as Sillinger has two older brothers who also play the sport at a high level, with Owen playing professionally for the Cleveland Monsters and Lukas playing for Arizona State University.

Cole Sillinger is the son of former NHL forward Mike Sillinger, who played for the Blue Jackets at the time of Cole's birth. His family lived in several NHL cities, including Phoenix, St. Louis, and Garden City, as his father's career progressed. He grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, and has two older brothers who also play hockey. This family background provided him with a high-level understanding of the professional game from a young age, shaping his development and competitive drive.

Junior and USHL Career

Sillinger's major junior career began when he was selected 11th overall by the Medicine Hat Tigers in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft. He made his Western Hockey League debut in the 2018-19 season, appearing in four games and recording two assists. The following season, 2019-20, he established himself as a key offensive contributor for the Tigers, finishing fourth on the team in scoring with 22 goals and 53 points in 48 games. His development trajectory was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed the start of the 2020-21 WHL season, leading the Tigers to loan him to the USHL to ensure he could continue playing and maintain his draft eligibility.

To ensure he could continue playing, the Medicine Hat Tigers agreed to loan Sillinger to the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League for the 2020-21 campaign. This move proved highly successful, as Sillinger led the Stampede in scoring with 24 goals and 46 points in just 31 games. His dominant performance earned him unanimous recognition from USHL general managers as the 2021 USHL Rookie of the Year. He was also named to the USHL All-Rookie First Team and the All-USHL Third Team, solidifying his status as a top prospect ahead of the NHL draft and demonstrating his ability to excel against high-level junior competition in a challenging season.

NHL Draft and Rookie Season

Following his standout season in the USHL, the NHL Central Scouting Bureau ranked Cole Sillinger as the 10th-best North American skater eligible for the 2021 NHL entry draft. On July 23, 2021, the Columbus Blue Jackets selected him with the 12th overall pick. He made the Blue Jackets' roster out of training camp as an 18-year-old, immediately jumping to the NHL for the 2021-22 season. Sillinger's rookie campaign was notable for its early offensive flashes and his palpable confidence on the ice, which often made him appear more experienced than his age would suggest to both teammates and opponents.

He played 79 games in his debut season, scoring 16 goals and adding 15 assists for 31 total points. The 16 goals remain his single-season career high. A signature moment came on March 13, 2022, when Sillinger scored his first NHL career hat-trick in a 6-4 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. His performance as a teenager on a rebuilding team held significant promise, though analysts later noted that the early promotion may have impacted his longer-term scoring development as he adjusted to the league's pace and physicality over subsequent seasons while carrying a significant role.

Professional Development and Role

Over his first five NHL seasons, Sillinger accumulated 367 games of experience, evolving from a teenage scorer into a reliable two-way forward. While his point production plateaued after his rookie year, his overall game saw substantial improvement in other critical areas. The 2025-26 season, in which he played a career-high 81 games, was cited by analysts as his most complete campaign despite modest counting stats of 8 goals and 33 points. Advanced metrics told a more positive story of his underlying contributions, with a notable leap in his defensive effectiveness that pointed to a player finding his niche.

For the first time in his career, Sillinger posted a positive on-ice expected goals for percentage (xGF%) of 50.4 percent, indicating his line was driving play effectively at even strength. His net on-ice goal differential improved dramatically to an even zero, a significant leap from deeply negative figures in his first four seasons. This statistical improvement pointed to a player who had refined his defensive game, positioning, and ability to suppress opposition chances. He carved out a niche as a middle-six centre capable of providing secondary offense and taking on defensive assignments against opponents' top lines, adding crucial depth to the Blue Jackets' lineup and becoming a more versatile player.

Contract and Team Status

Cole Sillinger's value to the Columbus Blue Jackets was affirmed through two significant contract extensions in the mid-2020s. On August 21, 2024, the team re-signed him to a two-year contract worth $4.5 million, carrying an average annual value of $2.25 million. Following the 2025-26 season, the Blue Jackets secured his services for a longer term, signing him to a three-year contract extension worth $13.875 million. Cole Sillinger is an alternate captain for the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was selected 12th overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2021 NHL entry draft and has become an established NHL regular. After the 2025-26 season, the Blue Jackets re-signed him to a three-year, $13.875 million contract. The team's management sees him as a foundational piece and a utility player who provides centre depth and reliable two-way play for the long term.

Career Statistics

Through the 2025-26 season, Cole Sillinger has played 367 regular season NHL games. His rookie season in 2021-22 remains his best for goal scoring, with 16. He played a career-high 81 games in the 2025-26 season, during which he matched his career high with 33 points. His plus/minus rating improved significantly to an even zero in that fifth season.

Cole Sillinger's role has transformed since his rookie season. He scored 16 goals as a rookie, which remains his career high. His plus/minus rating improved to an even zero in the 2025-26 season. Advanced metrics from that season showed he was a positive player in on-ice expected goals for the first time in his career. This marks a clear evolution in his game from an offensive rookie to a responsible two-way centre.

Honours and Awards

Cole Sillinger won the United States Hockey League Rookie of the Year award in 2021. He earned this honour by a unanimous vote after leading the Sioux Falls Stampede with 46 points in 31 games. He was also named to the USHL All-Rookie First Team and the All-USHL Third Team that season. In the NHL, he has been recognized with an alternate captaincy for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

• 2021: USHL Rookie of the Year (unanimous selection).
• 2021: Named to the USHL All-Rookie First Team.
• 2021: Named to the All-USHL Third Team.
• 2021: Selected 12th overall in the NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
• 2022: Scored first NHL career hat-trick (March 13 vs. Vegas Golden Knights).
• 2024-Present: Alternate Captain for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

His USHL Rookie of the Year award in 2021 cemented his status as a top draft prospect. He was selected 12th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2021 NHL entry draft. In the NHL, he scored his first career hat-trick on March 13, 2022. His professional achievements include being named an alternate captain for the Blue Jackets.

Questions about Cole Sillinger

Where was Cole Sillinger born and which country does he represent?

Cole Sillinger was born in Columbus, Ohio, United States on May 16, 2003. He is an American born Canadian professional ice hockey player. His family moved frequently during his childhood due to his father's NHL career, including stays in Phoenix, St. Louis, and Garden City. Sillinger grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan and he represents Hockey Canada in international competition. This background makes him a dual heritage player for the national team.

What was Cole Sillinger's draft position and which team selected him?

Cole Sillinger was selected 12th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2021 NHL entry draft. Ahead of the draft, the NHL Central Scouting Bureau had ranked him as the 10th best North American skater eligible. His draft selection followed a standout junior season where he was named the 2021 USHL Rookie of the Year. The Blue Jackets used their first round pick to secure the promising young centre. This draft position reflected his high potential as a future NHL player.

What is Cole Sillinger's current contract with the Blue Jackets?

Cole Sillinger is signed to a three year, $13.875 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The deal was signed during the 2026 off season, securing his future with the team. It represents a significant commitment from the Blue Jackets to the young alternate captain. This contract followed his previous two year, $4.5 million extension signed in August 2024.

What are Cole Sillinger's career statistics in the NHL?

In the 2025 26 season, he set a career high with 33 points while playing in 81 games. His rookie season in 2021 22 remains his best goal scoring year with 16 goals in 79 games. His career totals include 375 games played with 54 goals and 92 assists. These statistics reflect his development as a two way forward over five full NHL seasons.

Did Cole Sillinger win any major awards in junior hockey?

Yes, Cole Sillinger was unanimously voted the 2021 USHL Rookie of the Year by league general managers. He earned this honour while playing for the Sioux Falls Stampede on a one year loan agreement. During that 2020 21 season, he led his team in points with 24 goals and 46 points in just 31 games played. For his performance, he was also elected to the first all USHL rookie team and the all USHL third team. This award recognized his exceptional play in the United States Hockey League before his NHL draft.

What is Cole Sillinger's role with the Columbus Blue Jackets?

Cole Sillinger is a centre and alternate captain for the Columbus Blue Jackets. His role has evolved into that of a middle six, two way forward who provides important centre depth for the organization. He is valued for his ability to help shut down opposing top lines while contributing secondary offense. Sillinger made the team as an 18 year old rookie and has become a veteran presence over five seasons. The team views him as a utility player and a big piece of their competitive core moving forward.

Sources and further reading

• Cole Sillinger (Wikipedia)
• Cole Sillinger on the success of his past season | Columbus ... (nhl.com)
• Blue Jackets 2025-26 player review, Cole Sillinger took ... (unionandblue.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-28.