Cole Sillinger is officially a part of the Blue Jackets organization.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Blue Jackets announced that Sillinger signed a three-year, entry level contract. The Columbus native possesses a lethal shot, and GM Jarmo Kekalainen believes that Sillinger can play center, as well as wing, at the NHL level.
Sillinger, 18, tallied 24-22-46 in 31 games with the Sioux Falls Stampede in the USHL, and was named Rookie of the Year. He also has family ties to the Blue Jackets. His father, Mike Sillinger, played for the Blue Jackets from 2001-03, notching 38-48-86 in 155 games.
Our own Dan Dukart had this to say about Sillinger's skill: "What separates Sillinger from his peers is his elite wrist shot, particularly his ability to shoot in stride with a quick release that seems to catch goalies off guard...it is unlikely that he'll have the same success rate against pro goalies, so the challenge for Sillinger will be getting to better spots on the ice."
