Owen Sillinger Bio
Owen Sillinger (born September 23, 1997) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward for the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). Since beginning his professional career in 2022, Sillinger has steadily built a reputation as a reliable, two-way forward with a strong work ethic. Standing 178 cm tall and weighing 83 kg, he brings size and skating ability to the Monsters’ forward group. He currently resides in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Early Life and Background
Owen Sillinger was born on September 23, 1997, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. His birth coincided with his father Mike Sillinger’s tenure as a member of the Vancouver Canucks. Although born on the West Coast, Owen grew up primarily in Regina, Saskatchewan, where the family settled after Mike’s playing days carried the family across North America. The Sillinger household revolved around hockey, with Owen’s father having enjoyed a long and distinguished professional career of his own.
During his father’s 17-season National Hockey League journey, the Sillinger family briefly lived in Phoenix, Arizona, St. Louis, Missouri, and Garden City, New York, following Mike’s stints with the Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and New York Islanders. These early relocations exposed Owen to several hockey markets and team environments across the continent, helping shape his understanding of the sport. Owen is the first son of Karla, née Dreger, Sillinger and Mike Sillinger, and he has two younger brothers, Cole and Lukas, who both play hockey as well.
Path to Hockey
Sillinger’s development followed a traditional junior and collegiate route through the North American hockey system. After completing his time in junior hockey, he committed to Bemidji State University, where he suited up for the Beavers of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association beginning in the 2018–19 season. Over four years with Bemidji State, he developed the two-way game and physical maturity that would later earn him a professional opportunity.
Although he went undrafted by National Hockey League clubs, Sillinger impressed scouts with his work rate, forechecking, and versatility as a forward. Following the conclusion of his senior season with the Beavers in 2021–22, he signed an American Hockey League contract with the Cleveland Monsters on March 25, 2022, formally beginning his professional career. His collegiate years at Bemidji State, where he skated from 2018 through 2022, served as the critical foundation for his transition to the pro ranks.
Owen Sillinger Career
Early Career (2021–2024)
Owen Sillinger made his professional debut with the Cleveland Monsters at the tail end of the 2021–22 season after signing his initial American Hockey League contract on March 25, 2022. Joining a Monsters team that served as the top affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Sillinger quickly adapted to the pace and physicality of professional hockey. His strong skating, willingness to play in all three zones, and penalty-killing reliability made him a valuable piece of the Cleveland roster.
Across his first two full seasons with the Monsters, Sillinger established himself as a productive member of the forward group. He earned consistent ice time in a variety of roles, including bottom-six minutes and special teams duty, while continuing to refine his offensive game. By the end of the 2023–24 campaign, he had done enough to attract the attention of the Blue Jackets’ front office and earn a National Hockey League contract.
Columbus Blue Jackets Era (2024–Present)
On July 1, 2024, Sillinger signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, becoming a full member of the organization through the 2024–25 season. The deal reflected the Blue Jackets’ confidence in his development and rewarded his steady progress at the American Hockey League level. Initially, Sillinger continued his assignment with the Cleveland Monsters, where he served as a veteran presence among the forward ranks.
On January 9, 2025, Sillinger received his first recall to the Columbus Blue Jackets and made his National Hockey League debut in a regular-season game against the Seattle Kraken. The debut marked a significant milestone in his professional journey and validated the path he had taken from undrafted collegiate player to NHL-contracted forward. Throughout the 2024–25 campaign, he split time between Cleveland and Columbus, contributing in a depth role and providing the Blue Jackets with a dependable option when injuries called.
Driving Style and Strengths
Sillinger is recognized for his responsible two-way play, strong work ethic, and willingness to engage physically along the boards and in front of the net. Coaches have valued his penalty-killing instincts and his ability to play a 200-foot game, traits that fit the modern bottom-six forward prototype. His skating, combined with his 178 cm frame, allows him to win races to pucks and provide energy on the forecheck.
Notable Events and Milestones
Sillinger’s most significant milestone came on January 9, 2025, when he made his National Hockey League debut with the Columbus Blue Jackets against the Seattle Kraken. That appearance capped a long journey from undrafted college player at Bemidji State to NHL-contracted professional. He also became the latest Sillinger family member to appear in a top professional league, following in the footsteps of his father Mike Sillinger, who played 17 seasons in the NHL.
Owen Sillinger Career Wins
While Owen Sillinger has not yet compiled a lengthy highlight reel of statistical achievements at the top professional level, his career trajectory reflects steady progression through developmental ranks. His accomplishments to this point are best measured in milestones reached and opportunities earned rather than major trophies collected.
American Hockey League Highlights
During his time with the Cleveland Monsters beginning in 2021–22, Sillinger became a consistent contributor in the AHL. He earned regular ice time as a checking-line forward and penalty-killing option, and his development drew the attention of the parent Columbus Blue Jackets organization. His two full professional seasons in Cleveland established him as a prospect worthy of an NHL contract, which he received on July 1, 2024.
Other Wins and Performances
Sillinger’s most notable personal win came on January 9, 2025, when he made his National Hockey League debut with the Columbus Blue Jackets against the Seattle Kraken. That appearance was the culmination of a journey that began at Bemidji State University, where he played four seasons of collegiate hockey in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association between 2018 and 2022.
Owen Sillinger Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Owen Sillinger comes from a deeply rooted hockey family. His father, Mike Sillinger, played 17 seasons as a journeyman forward in the National Hockey League, suiting up for franchises including the Vancouver Canucks, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and New York Islanders. His mother, Karla, née Dreger, Sillinger, raised the family alongside Mike as his career carried them across the continent. Owen is the eldest of three brothers, all of whom have pursued hockey.
Personal Life
Growing up, Owen’s family briefly lived in Phoenix, Arizona, St. Louis, Missouri, and Garden City, New York, following his father’s National Hockey League stops with the Coyotes, Blues, and Islanders. Although Owen was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, he grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, where he was raised and where he continues to maintain his residence. His two younger brothers, Cole and Lukas, are also involved in hockey, with Cole a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets organization and Lukas skating for Arizona State University.
2025 Season Performance
Owen Sillinger’s 2025 calendar year has been defined by his long-awaited transition to the National Hockey League level with the Columbus Blue Jackets. After spending the early portion of the 2024–25 season on assignment with the Cleveland Monsters, he earned his first recall and made his NHL debut on January 9, 2025, against the Seattle Kraken. That debut was a major personal milestone and a reward for his consistent development in the AHL.
Throughout the remainder of the 2024–25 campaign, Sillinger has split time between Cleveland and Columbus, providing organizational depth at the forward position. In Cleveland, he has continued to play a key role on the Monsters’ forward group, while his appearances with the Blue Jackets have allowed him to gain valuable top-level experience. His one-year, two-way contract runs through the 2024–25 season, after which his future with the organization will be evaluated.
Looking ahead through the rest of 2025, Sillinger will be aiming to cement a full-time role with the Columbus Blue Jackets or continue his progression as a top forward for the Cleveland Monsters. The relationship with the Blue Jackets organization, combined with his family connection through brother Cole, gives him a strong support system within the club. Continued production and consistency will be key as he works to establish himself as a full-time National Hockey League contributor.