COLUMBUS — The Blue Jackets continued securing key pieces of their young core Saturday, signing forward Cole Sillinger to a three-year, $13.875 million contract extension worth an average annual value of $4.625 million. The deal keeps the 23-year-old in Columbus through the 2028-29 season and avoids a scheduled salary arbitration hearing.

Originally selected 12th overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2021 NHL Draft, Sillinger has developed into one of the club's most dependable two-way forwards. Last season, he set career highs in assists (25), games played (81) and tied his career best with 33 points while finishing among the team's leaders in hits.

"Cole is a hard-working, reliable two-way forward who plays the game the right way, has outstanding character and continues to grow and improve," President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell said in a statement. "He has played a lot of games in this league at a very young age, and we are excited about his future and his contributions to our organization."

Sillinger has already appeared in 367 NHL games despite being just 23 years old, recording 51 goals and 89 assists while establishing himself as a physical, reliable presence capable of playing in a variety of situations. His durability and steady development have made him an important part of Columbus' long-term plans.

The extension also continues a productive offseason for the Blue Jackets. After signing goaltender Jet Greaves to a new contract earlier in the week, Columbus has now locked up another cornerstone player as Don Waddell continues shaping a roster he believes can return the franchise to playoff contention. With Sillinger under contract for three more seasons, the Blue Jackets retain another young building block as they continue investing in their future.