What happened: The Columbus Blue Jackets and forward Cole Sillinger reached a three-year, $13.875 million agreement, sidestepping an arbitration hearing that had been scheduled for Monday. A person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it had not yet been announced, and Sportsnet.ca first reported the signing.

Why it matters: Sillinger, Columbus' 2021 first-round pick and a Columbus native, moved from center to left wing on the third line last season and matched his Locking him in for three years gives the same Blue Jackets who just re-signed goaltender Jet Greaves to a three-year deal another core piece under contract as the roster takes shape for 2026-27.

What to watch: Sillinger is set to open the 2026-27 season back on Columbus' left wing after avoiding a trip to an arbitration hearing.