'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Columbus Blue Jackets are having a busy few days as star player Cole Sillinger is on the brink of a contract extension. Sillinger has spent three years with the Blue Jackets and has performed at the highest level, contributing two 30-point seasons in the duration.
The youngster just had his most prolific campaign as he scored 13 goals and provided 19 assists. According to NHL insider Aaron Portzline, Sillinger is set to sign a two-year extension and continue his journey with the Blue Jackets. He wrote on X:
"Sounds as if #CBJ and restricted free agent Cole Sillinger are within striking distance of a contract. Will likely be a two-year deal."
Sillinger has now transitioned from being an entry-level contract player to one with high expectations. Retaining Sillinger would be a good sign for a developing Blue Jackets side that looks to improve next season. Columbus finished bottom of the Metro but will want to keep their star youngsters and build around them.
What could Cole Sillinger's contract look like?
Cole Sillinger, being the 12th pick of the NHL 2021 draft for the Blue Jackets, got handed a three-year deal worth $2.8 million. According to an article by Jacob Punturi of Breakaway, the new figures in line for the player could be a massive jump.
Punturi mentioned that the player's two-year extension could cost the Columbus Blue Jackets between $1.5-$3 million a year:
"At just 21, Sillinger has already played in 220 NHL games. He's collected 74 points over his short career ... With that in mind, Sillinger will likely sign a deal with an average annual value between $1.5-$3 million."
The Blue Jackets are set to face the Buffalo Sabres in six weeks in the NHL preseason as they continue to build their roster en route to the new NHL campaign.
