From Cleveland to the top line?
That might be the case for Cole Sillinger when the Columbus Blue Jackets skate with the Philadelphia Flyers in Thursday’s opener.
#CBJ lines at this very moment:
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) October 10, 2023
Sillinger-Laine-Gaudreau
Texier-Jenner-Bemstrom
Marchenko-Fantilli-Danforth
Robinson-Kuraly-Roslovic
Extra: Johnson, Foudy
Werenski-Peeke
Provorov-Severson
Bean-Gudbranson
Extra: Boqvist
Merzlikins/Martin
After a very good rookie season, Sillinger struggled in year two and ended the year playing for the Cleveland Monsters. Looking for a rebound year, he could get the shot at left wing with Patrik Laine as his center and Johnny Gaudreau on the other wing.
Quite the change from last year and the typical first line of Gaudreau — Boone Jenner — Laine.
"I want to be a factor on this team," Sillinger said on Tuesday after practice. "Whether that's wing or center, I've played both all my life. With the way our systems are going to be this year and the way (Pascal Vincent) is going to run things, you've got to be interchangeable. I think it's just another thing that I can add to my toolbox and hopefully continue to be better and better at it."
As we know, things can change rather quickly, no matter what the rosters are right now and how the lines might look today in practice, tomorrow in a game, and a week from now.
"Absolutely. It's good to always have that internal competition," Sillinger said. "Nothing's ever really set in stone no matter if it's the middle of the year or whatever it may be. Just have to keep working every day and working at your game, and try to become the best player and person you can be.
Did Sillinger like his camp?
"Yeah, I think so," Sillinger said. "I think the biggest thing for me was to gain a step and become quicker. I feel like I can handle the puck better. Just feel more poised, more confident, and I feel really good so I'm excited."
He had to feel pretty glad to get the chance to play with Laine and Gaudreau.
"I was upset about it," Sillinger joked. "Obviously having two prominent players and I thought we had a pretty good period together. Skated with them today and I think that went pretty well and felt pretty good. We'll see what happens here going forward. If I have the opportunity to be playing with those guys, I'll do my best to compliment them and do whatever I can to help out with their success and my success and I think ultimately that will lead to the team's success.
| Corsi For/Against | Shots For/Against | Scoring Chances For/Against | High Danger Chances For/Against | Goals For/Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/1 | 2/1 | 3/1 | 2/1 | 1-0 |
When playing alongside elite talent level in that of Laine and Gaudreau, does Sillinger need to adjust his game?
"It's more just play your game," Sillinger said. "I know what I'm capable of. I'm confident that I can do those things. I'm confident I can handle their skill and make the plays they want to make. It's nice to have the opportunity and we'll see what happens."
