Sillinger Takes On Top Line Role for Blue Jackets Amidst Fantilli's Unsigned Status

The Columbus Blue Jackets are one week into training camp, and the situation with Adam Fantilli's contract remains unresolved. In his absence, Cole Sillinger has been practicing at center, expected to fill a spot on the team's projected top forward line.

Sillinger skated alongside Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko, showcasing his abilities and speed. He confirmed he's in frequent contact with Fantilli and knows Fantilli wants to be at training camp.

“I talk to him most days, and we're good buddies,” Sillinger stated. “I just hope to see him sooner rather than later; obviously, he's a big asset to our team and an important piece in our locker room. The sooner he's here, the better for our group.”

Meanwhile, Sillinger is embracing a more significant role during these early practices. If Fantilli remains unsigned and misses the season opener, Sillinger's performance in stepping up will be a key storyline to watch, particularly his impact on the forward group's overall effectiveness.

Sillinger Adapting to Center Position

Sillinger's commitment to his game has been evident since last season, continuing into training camp. He's consistently involved in the forecheck and spoke about his focus on improving through practice, emphasizing the separation between business and on-ice performance.

“I'm kind of stripping down all parts of my game and resettling,” Sillinger said about his offseason approach. “Especially after signing a three-year deal, it feels like I'm back to my entry-level contract, but with a new perspective.”

He also noted an increased sense of urgency within the team during training camp and practices. According to Sillinger, the team has been consistently active and playing hard, even in practice drills.

“One thing I'm noticing right away is the execution,” Sillinger commented. “Even in warm-up drills, everyone is connecting on passes, passing hard, moving their feet, and finishing plays. The energy has been great these last couple of days.”

This also brings up the question of his comfort level at center, a position he hasn't fully occupied since late in the 2024-25 season. He wants head coach Rick Bowness to know he can handle the role and is eager to contribute to the team's success in any capacity.

“I was more so just expressing to him that I can play center,” Sillinger explained. “It's just trusting him to put me in a position that will help our team the most. I wanted to make it known that I played center for four years before he came here.”

He has prior experience at center and believes his game has untapped potential, particularly offensively. He aims to trust his abilities more without placing undue pressure on himself this season to achieve immediate results.

Offensive Potential and Expectations

In his junior career, Sillinger was a prolific scorer, consistently averaging more than a point per game. However, his NHL scoring output with the Blue Jackets saw a significant decline. He discussed how his preparation this season is aimed at reversing that trend.

“I definitely believe I can provide more offense, goals, production, and finishing ability,” Sillinger said. “That is something I've worked on a lot this summer—execution in those areas and trusting it, believing in my abilities. I've always felt I can get myself into situations where I can get some looks, and it's just a matter of capitalizing. The more I do that, it'll put our team in a better spot.”

Alongside his own expectations, Sillinger will be playing with what could be the most talented linemates of his career, which should benefit his production. However, concerns about chemistry, particularly with several offseason roster changes, have been a factor in discussions.

“I think both of their hearts are in good spots,” Sillinger said regarding Marchenko and Zach Werenski. “I talked to Z throughout the summer. There is everything the media hears, and they make their own stories. Once you hear it from teammate to teammate, you can understand it more.”

As Sillinger finished speaking, Marchenko entered the room for his own media session and playfully interacted with Sillinger at the podium. This interaction suggests the team's chemistry is strong, and any perceived concerns are unlikely to affect their performance on the ice.

The Blue Jackets begin their preseason tonight against the Detroit Red Wings. The projected top line will not play in the opener. Instead, Coach Bowness plans to have them play together in two of the final three preseason games before the regular season begins on October 1 against the Buffalo Sabres.