Cole Sillinger signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday. It has an average annual value of $2.25 million.
The 21-year-old restricted free agent forward had an NHL career-high 32 points (13 goals, 19 assists) in 77 games with the Blue Jackets last season.
"I knew I was going to be a Blue Jacket, it was just a matter of when and the terms and everything like that," Sillinger said. "Just stayed patient and I'm glad something's done now. For sure it's a relief and ready to go for the season."
Sillinger said signing for two years was the right amount for him and the Blue Jackets because he isn't sure he's earned a longer commitment yet.
"I hold myself to a higher standard than I've shown over the last three years," he said. "I feel like I've progressed but it's been a little inconsistent. Before something longer term will get done, I would like to prove it a little bit more. I think this deal is a fair deal for both sides. I'm just ready to put all that past me and just play hockey."
The Blue Jackets (27-43-12) were 29th in the NHL standings last season and missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the fourth straight season. But Sillinger said he's excited by some of Columbus' offseason changes, including the hiring of general manager Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason.
"I had the opportunity to speak to each via phone call," he said. "We talked about the summer and got to know each other a little bit. Nothing too in-depth. It seemed like they are great people and they've been around the game of hockey for a while. That's always good to have. I love the changes we made in the organization this summer. I left the calls extremely motivated to get back to Columbus and get back with the group."
Selected by Columbus in the first round (No. 12) of the 2021 NHL Draft, Sillinger has 74 points (32 goals, 42 assists) in 220 games.
"Cole Sillinger is a very smart, two-way center who competes extremely hard at both ends of the ice," Waddell said. "He played over 200 NHL games before turning 21 and is coming off his best season, so we are looking forward to his continued growth as a player. He is going to be an important part of the present and future of this club."
