Cole Sillinger Bio
Cole Sillinger is an American-born Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). Sillinger was selected by the Blue Jackets 12th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Born on May 16, 2003, in Columbus, Ohio, he is the son of former NHL player Mike Sillinger. Cole Sillinger has established himself in the league with notable performances since his NHL debut in 2021, including scoring his first career hat-trick against the Vegas Golden Knights in March 2022.
Early Life and Background
Cole Sillinger was born on May 16, 2003, in Columbus, Ohio, to Karla (née Dreger) Sillinger and former NHL forward Mike Sillinger. His father Mike was playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets at the time of his son’s birth. The Sillinger family briefly resided in Phoenix, Arizona, St. Louis, Missouri, and Garden City, New York, as Mike’s career required relocations to the Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and New York Islanders. Cole Sillinger eventually grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, where he developed his passion for hockey. He represents Hockey Canada internationally. Cole Sillinger has two older brothers who both pursue hockey careers: Owen Sillinger plays for the Cleveland Monsters (Columbus affiliate in the American Hockey League), and Lukas Sillinger skates with Arizona State University.
Path to Professional Hockey
Cole Sillinger’s journey to professional hockey began with his exceptional performance in junior hockey. He was selected 11th overall by the Medicine Hat Tigers in the 2018 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft. Sillinger made his WHL debut with the Tigers during the 2018-19 season, appearing in four games and recording two assists. In his first full WHL season (2019-20), he emerged as a significant offensive threat, scoring 22 goals and 53 points in 48 games, ranking fourth on the team in scoring. His development accelerated when the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the WHL’s return in 2020-21. The Tigers loaned Sillinger to the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League for the season. He dominated at the USHL level, leading the Stampede with 24 goals and 46 points in 31 games. His outstanding rookie campaign earned him 2021 USHL Rookie of the Year honors by unanimous vote of league general managers. He was also elected to both the All-USHL Rookie Team and All-USHL Third Team. The NHL Central Scouting Bureau ranked Sillinger as the 10th-best North American skater ahead of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, solidifying his status as a top prospect.
Cole Sillinger Career
Columbus Blue Jackets (2021-Present)
Cole Sillinger realized his NHL dream when the Columbus Blue Jackets selected him 12th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. He began his professional career immediately after being drafted, joining the Blue Jackets for the 2021-22 season. Sillinger made an immediate impact in his rookie NHL campaign, showcasing the scoring ability and two-way play that characterized his junior career. The highlight of his inaugural NHL season came on March 13, 2022, when he scored his first career hat-trick in a 6-4 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. This milestone demonstrated his ability to perform at the NHL level and announced him as a promising young talent in the league. Following his solid rookie showing, Sillinger established himself as a regular in the Blue Jackets lineup in subsequent seasons. On August 21, 2024, the Blue Jackets re-signed Sillinger to a two-year, $4.5 million contract extension carrying a $2.25 million annual average value, reflecting the organization’s confidence in his long-term potential. He continues to serve as a centre for the Blue Jackets, contributing both offensively and defensively while developing his all-around game at the NHL level.
Playing Style and Strengths
Cole Sillinger plays the centre position and shoots left. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and weighing 201 pounds (91 kg), he possesses the size and strength to compete effectively against larger opponents. His hockey lineage as the son of 16-year NHL veteran Mike Sillinger provided him with invaluable hockey knowledge from an early age. Sillinger’s two-way game allows him to contribute in all situations, while his junior scoring pedigree suggests offensive upside that he continues to develop at the professional level. His composure and hockey IQ, honed through years of high-level competition and family guidance, enable him to make quick decisions with the puck and compete effectively in his own zone.
Notable Milestones
His most celebrated NHL moment remains his first career hat-trick against the Vegas Golden Knights in March 2022. This performance on national television showcased his talent and established expectations for his offensive capabilities at the professional level. Being drafted 12th overall by his hometown team, where his father once played, created a unique family narrative in NHL history.
Cole Sillinger Career Statistics
Cole Sillinger has accumulated games played and point totals through his seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets. His junior career saw him total 55 points in 48 WHL games with Medicine Hat and 46 points in 31 USHL games with Sioux Falls, where he also earned Rookie of the Year honors. His professional career statistics continue to grow with each NHL season.
Career Highlights
Cole Sillinger’s most notable career achievement remains winning the 2021 USHL Rookie of the Year award, an honor decided unanimously by league general managers. In his WHL career, he demonstrated consistent point-per-game production over two seasons. His first career NHL hat-trick against the Vegas Golden Knights represented his most significant professional milestone to date. The Blue Jackets’ decision to invest a two-year extension in August 2024 signals their belief in his continued growth.
Cole Sillinger Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Cole Sillinger comes from a distinguished hockey family. His father, Mike Sillinger, played 16 seasons in the NHL from 1990 to 2006, appearing for 10 different NHL teams including the Columbus Blue Jackets, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and New York Islanders. Mike accumulated 290 career points across his professional career. This NHL legacy provided Cole with unique insight into professional hockey from childhood. Both of Cole’s older brothers pursued professional hockey careers: Owen plays in the AHL with the Cleveland Monsters (Columbus affiliate), while Lukas competes at the collegiate level with Arizona State University. The Sillinger family’s multi-generational involvement in hockey created a strong foundation for Cole’s development.
Personal Life
Cole Sillinger currently resides in Columbus, Ohio, where he plays for the Blue Jackets. He is in a relationship with recording artist Tate McRae, a Canadian singer and dancer who gained prominence after appearing on So You Think You Can Dance and releasing successful music including the hit single “you broke me first.” The couple has been public about their relationship in media interviews and social media posts. Sillinger maintains a public Instagram presence where he shares glimpses of his hockey career and personal life with his followers.
2025 Season Performance
Cole Sillinger enters the 2025 season with Columbus Blue Jackets as a developing young centre approaching his prime years. The two-year contract extension he signed in August 2024 (worth $2.25 million annually through 2026) provides both sides with security as he continues his progression. Sillinger works to build upon his early-career achievements while increasing his offensive production and defensive responsibility. The Blue Jackets organization continues to invest in his development as a potential core piece of their future. With his hockey lineage, professional experience, and family support system, Sillinger remains focused on establishing himself as a reliable NHL centre. His blend of size, skill, and hockey intelligence positions him well for continued growth as he matures into his mid-twenties. The Blue Jackets coaching staff emphasizes his two-way development while nurturing his offensive instincts. Sillinger’s hat-trick against Vegas in 2022 demonstrated his capability for game-breaking performances, and he seeks to deliver such efforts more consistently as his career advances.
