The Columbus Blue Jackets have successfully avoided arbitration by agreeing to a three-year, $13.875 million contract with forward Cole Sillinger. The deal, which was first reported by Sportsnet.ca, was reached prior to Sillinger's scheduled arbitration hearing on Monday.

Sillinger, who turned 20 earlier this month, was a first-round pick by the Blue Jackets in the 2021 NHL Draft. He is a Columbus native and has five years of NHL experience. Last season, Sillinger established himself as a regular on the team's third line, transitioning from center to left wing. He recorded a career-best-tying 33 points, with eight goals and 25 assists. Across his career, Sillinger has accumulated 51 goals and 140 points in 367 games played.

The agreement ensures Sillinger remains with his hometown team for the foreseeable future, providing stability for both the player and the franchise as they continue to build their roster.