Cole Sillinger has already logged 332 NHL games heading into Saturday night’s divisional clash with the Pittsburgh Penguins - and remarkably, he’s doing it under his fifth head coach. That’s not a misprint. Since breaking into the league to start the 2021-22 season, Sillinger has seen a rotating door behind the bench: Brad Larsen, Mike Babcock, Pascal Vincent, Dean Evason, and now Rick Bowness.
For any young player, that kind of turnover can be a challenge. Systems change.
Expectations shift. Relationships reset.
But for a guy like Sillinger - versatile, competitive, and still just 22 - it’s also an opportunity. A fresh slate.
A new set of eyes evaluating what he brings to the table.
And make no mistake: Bowness is watching closely.
A New Chapter, A Familiar Mindset
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, Sillinger made it clear he’s embracing the moment. “Any time there’s a switch made like there was, you treat it as kind of a new opportunity, a new kind of day one of work,” he said.
“The change happening goes to show the management believing in our group and believing that there’s still a lot of opportunity with the amount of remaining games and where we are in the standings. That’s uplifting for sure.”
That’s a mature take from a player who’s been through more coaching change than most veterans. And it’s not just lip service. Sillinger talked about the need for players to dig deeper, to hold themselves accountable, and to elevate each other - all things that resonate in a locker room trying to find its identity under a new voice.
As for Bowness, Sillinger offered nothing but respect. “Just with a guy like Bones coming in and his attitude, his resume and everything aside, he gains respect of us players right away,” he said. “His philosophies on how he wants us to play, I think fits really well in the structure of who we have on our team.”
Mr. Versatility
Sillinger came into the league as a natural center, and many expected him to anchor the Blue Jackets’ depth down the middle for years to come. But the reality of NHL life - injuries, matchups, hot hands - has seen him move around the lineup, including time on the wing. And lately, he’s been getting a look on the top line next to Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko.
It’s a testament to his adaptability - and his self-awareness.
“I believe I’m the type of player that can complement anyone,” Sillinger said. “Whether it’s Fancy Marchy [Marchenko] tonight or whoever that may be, I see myself as a guy that can play against other teams' top lines who can produce and be hard to play against.”
That’s the kind of mindset coaches love. He’s not chasing a specific role - he’s focused on being effective in whatever role he’s given. Whether it’s grinding on the third line with Charlie Coyle and Mathieu Olivier or trying to spark offense alongside Fantilli, Sillinger brings a blend of grit and skill that gives the Blue Jackets options.
“I believe I have the skills to play with top players and to complement their games,” he added. “But also have the hardness and drive on my game to play a little bit more simple and shut down the game.”
First Impressions from Bowness
Bowness, who’s still just settling in behind the Columbus bench, sees promise in Sillinger’s game. It’s early - just two games into his tenure - but the veteran coach likes what he’s seen.
“I think he can be a very effective player,” Bowness said. “He’s played in the league long enough now.
I’ve got to get to know his strengths and where I have to push him on. But he’s a very reliable player.
I think there’s another level there where I can help him get to.”
That last part is key. Bowness isn’t just looking for stability - he’s looking to elevate. He sees another gear in Sillinger’s game and believes it can be unlocked with the right guidance.
“So far, I haven’t seen anything negative about Cole at all,” he said. “I thought he’s been very solid.”
A Statement Game in the Metro
Saturday night’s showdown with the Penguins wasn’t just another regular-season game. It was the final meeting of the season between the two clubs - and a chance for the Blue Jackets to close the gap in the Metropolitan Division standings.
The last time these two teams met? The Blue Jackets blew a 4-1 lead at home and lost in overtime.
That collapse was a turning point - one of the games cited in the decision to move on from Dean Evason. So yeah, this one had some emotional weight.
For Sillinger, the key to flipping the script was simple: pressure. “When they have the puck, they want to have time and space to be able to make plays, especially with their top guys,” he said. “It’s putting pressure on them and making sure they don’t have time - whether it’s in the defensive zone, through the neutral zone, protecting the middle of the ice, early box outs in the D-zone - and just making sure it’s harder on them to make those little plays that they can make.”
That’s a smart read. The Penguins thrive when you give them room to operate. Take away that space, and suddenly they’re a lot more human.
Sillinger also pointed to a mindset shift. “Playing them in the past, that’s something that we would get up [in the score] and maybe sit back a little bit and play not to lose, so to say.
I loved our pressure in the last couple of games. It’s not easy to play against.
You can see that on the film. I just think we have to keep relying on that tonight.”
Who’s In, Who’s Out
Elvis Merzlikins got the start in net for Columbus after stopping 30 shots in a 4-1 win over Vancouver. The Latvian netminder looked sharp - and earned the nod again in what was expected to be a tight, physical matchup.
On the blue line, Egor Zamula slotted in for Jake Christiansen, while Zach Aston-Reese drew into the forward group in place of Danton Heinen. Bowness made it clear the changes weren’t performance-related. “We have extra bodies and we want to keep them all involved in the game,” he said.
Across the ice, the Penguins countered with Arturs Silovs in net, setting up an all-Latvian goalie duel. Pittsburgh was without Erik Karlsson, who remains on injured reserve with a lower-body injury.
The Stakes
This was the fourth and final meeting of the season between Columbus and Pittsburgh - and the first three all went to overtime. The Jackets grabbed a shootout win in Pittsburgh, while the Penguins took both games in Columbus in extra time.
A win on Saturday would’ve pulled the Blue Jackets within three points of a playoff spot. But to get there, they needed to handle their own business first.
And for players like Cole Sillinger, games like this are more than just standings math. They’re auditions, proving grounds, and chances to show a new coach - and the league - exactly what kind of player he can be.