We have reached the end of July in what is seeming like a fast-moving summer. Suddenly, we are only just a short month and a half away from the opening of training camps across the National Hockey League.
The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to make news during this offseason. There will also be more to come once the team and Adam Fantilli agree to his next contract.
We start this week’s News & Rumors with one player that recently agreed to a new contract. Like Jet Greaves, Cole Sillinger is very excited to continue on with the Blue Jackets.
Sillinger Extends
Sillinger put pen to paper on a three-year extension that will see him earn $4.625 million AAV. Once that deal was signed, that ensured no Blue Jackets reached the arbitration room although it got close in Greaves’ case.
Sillinger spoke to the media on Wednesday about his new contract and the excitement of continuing on with the Blue Jackets. His focus throughout the process was finding the right deal.
“First of all, I’m super excited,” Sillinger said. “I’m happy to obviously get it out of the way and have commitment to me and me committing to Columbus for three more years. The main focus was just finding the deal that made the most sense for both sides. We agreed on three years and the deal got done.”
Sillinger and the Blue Jackets are going to be returning to a room that will have some changes to it. With captain Boone Jenner and Mason Marchment gone coupled with Valeri Nishushkin and Ryan Lomberg coming in, there is not only excitement for who will be in the room. In Sillinger’s mind, there is also new opportunites.
“There’s some different faces. So there’s some opportunities for myself or some other guys to just express themselves a little bit more maybe in that way just to grow,” Sillinger said. “I’m just super excited to get back there. I’m already itching. It’s been a long summer. We have a really tight locker room and a couple of new faces to meet once we get down to camp and get things rolling. Just super pumped up and excited to see the guys again to create some chemistry.”
Sillinger also knows what the team has endured the last couple of seasons just falling short. He also knows he has a lot more to give. He’s ready to take that next step with new contract in hand.
“Looking at my career up to this point, I’d say it’s probably more unfulfilling than fulfilling,” Sillinger said. “I know that there’s more in there that I want to provide and I know that collectively as a group, we expect more from ourselves.”
“I think for us as a group, it’s kind of enough talking about it. It’s more just going (out) there and doing it and putting the results in each and every night. I think everyone on our team is putting in the work there’s no doubt about that as far as how the summer’s been treated…I think that we’ve created and we’re going to continue to have more connection and deeper connection. I’m just very excited. I have full confidence in this group on where we know we can get to and it’s going to start from Day 1. We don’t want to waste any time.”
Sillinger enjoyed a lot of success with Charlie Coyle and Mathieu Olivier last season. While they may start together again, Sillinger is also ready for whatever opportunities come including if a chance to play center ice comes up.
“I’m comfortable playing both (wing and center),” Sillinger said. “I’m comfortable playing in the middle of the ice and I love that challenge too. I’m also comfortable playing with Charlie and Ollie if that’s the case again too. But I think wherever we’re going to be put is going to be earned. Nothing’s going to be given and that goes for everyone in our group. My focus right now is not necessarily where I’m going to be playing or who I’m going to be playing with. It’s just coming to camp with the best preparation, the best shape, the best mental state as I could be. Just bring the best version of me.”
“I do see myself, I want to take on more of a role versus maybe how I’ve been used kind of all over. I want to find (a) more consistent role. I’ve chatted with Bowness and there’s been good communication there that could be some opportunities. Everything that is going to come is going to be earned.”
Granato Joins Coaching Staff
On Thursday, the Blue Jackets announced a pair of hirings. The team officially announced the hiring of Don Granato as an assistant coach on Bowness’ staff. The team also officially announced the appointment of new video coach Cody Ward.
Granato comes to the Blue Jackets with a lot of experience. Dating back to 1993, he has held various roles including scout, assistant coach and head coach. He previously coached the Buffalo Sabres.
Granato also has extensive ties to Columbus as he was a member of the Chill from 1991-93 representing his two lone professional seasons as a player. He is known for being good at developing younger players. Here is what both GM Don Waddell and Bowness had to say about Granato’s hiring.
“Don Granato is very smart, hard-working, and has spent a lifetime in this game as a player, head coach, assistant coach and scout, and his experiences will greatly benefit Rick, our staff and most importantly, our players.” -Waddell
“I am very excited about the staff we have put together. I’ve known Donny for many years and have great respect for him as a coach, but more importantly as a person. I’m really looking forward to working with him, Trent, Jared, Nik, Cody and Cam to help our players be the best they can be individually to help our team reach its goals.” -Bowness
While each new member of the staff brings specific things to the table, it’s yet another change that the players are going to have to learn. While Bowness will look to fully implement his style, it will be up to Granato, Trent Vogelhuber and the entire staff to get on the same page as quickly as possible.
Granato’s experience should help in that all-important area.
Big Production Changes
On Wednesday, the Blue Jackets announced a huge change to the production of their games. As everyone waits for the details of where the team will land on television, the team has decided that it will consolidate the TV broadcast and simulcast their audio to radio.
This means Steve Mears and Jody Shelley’s call will be heard on the Blue Jackets’ flagship 97.1 the Fan. It also means the end of the 17-year run for radio voice Bob McElligott.
Dylan Tyrer, host on the radio, will continue in his role before giving things over to Steve and Jody. We want to focus on two things here.
First, simulcasting TV to radio is not a new thing. Four other NHL teams have been doing this model including the Sabres, Stars, Hurricanes and Blues. It is not an exclusive to Columbus. But it does add to the uncertainty of where things seem to be going in an unstable marketplace.
Blue Jackets’ fans made their displeasure known on social media with many citing that it is two completely different things to make audio work between TV and radio.
Waddell was in Carolina when the Hurricanes made the decision to go to a simulcast. At that time, Waddell defended the move indicating that “Radio is not a prudent financial decision” from a modern business standpoint. At that time, the thought was there were only about 2,000 listeners to the radio broadcast on a particular night.
It’s also worth considering the impact of no network money coming in for the Blue Jackets. While this move points to cost cutting, how much of this decision was based on not having the TV deal from FanDuel in place? We’ll hope to be able to answer that better in time.
Second, want to say a word about McElligott. He was synonymous with Blue Jackets’ hockey during his 17-year run with the team. He made fans feel like they were part of the action. He took time to answer questions on his podcast “CBJ in 30 Monday Mailbag.” He always told it like it was and was always prepared.
A generation of Blue Jackets fans will remember some of McElligott’s iconic calls including “It’s time to put on your Jackets.” While he is still continuing to call games for the AAA Columbus Clippers in baseball, he indicated in a statement that he isn’t sure what’s next yet.
— Bob McElligott (@BobbyMacSports) July 29, 2026
The only thing that tops his talent is how good of a person he is. He had an ability to make people laugh and made everyone around him feel comfortable. Whatever next is, he will be excellent. He had a way of bringing Blue Jackets’ fans in and making them feel at home. Based on the reaction to the news, that’s what most fans will miss about him.
Side Dishes
- As we previously mentioned, stay tuned for news on where the team will be found on TV. They are still working those details out as of this writing.
- Not really much to add on Adam Fantilli at this point. There were some indications things were potentially close so it’s possible something drops soon. But the sides are talking. The belief at this point is that a middle-term deal will be coming, likely in the 4-5 year range.
- Personally, I’m expecting an AAV in the $13-$14 million range for Fantilli. One must wonder what the offer sheet did in this situation. Two players, Macklin Celebrini and Leo Carlsson will be getting $18 million or more in AAV. Connor Bedard is getting $15 million. Getting this done sooner rather than later would benefit everyone at this point. Stay tuned.
Free Newsletter
Get Columbus Blue Jackets coverage delivered to your inbox
In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes – free.
Subscribe Free →
