Adam Fantilli, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 Draft, registered two assists and six shots on goal in his first action in a Blue Jackets sweater, a 7-3 win over the Maple Leafs in the team's opening game at the NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, Michigan.
Cleveland Monsters head coach Trent Vogelhuber, who is also the head coach for the Jackets at this tournament, told BlueJackets.com's Jeff Svoboda that Fantilli was "as advertised."
#CBJ Traverse City head coach Trent Vogelhuber said Adam Fantilli played as advertised in his debut today. Didnt score a goal but was dominant. Vogelhuber said Fantilli and captain Denton Mateychuk were the Jackets two best players in the 7-3 win.
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) September 14, 2023
On Wednesday, Fantilli said that he's received advice from players who've played in this tournament in the past.
"All the advice I've gotten is just [to] make sure you stay safe, play your best, and try and dominate," Fantilli said.
He also talked about what he wants to show in the three games the Blue Jackets will play in this week.
"My best foot forward," Fantilli said. "I always want to play my best. I want to show my game, show that I can play [physically], show I can play fast, and be an offensive presence. But obviously, I'm going to be playing center like I want to be, and I know I have to take care of business defensively, so that's my plan."
While he didn't score Thursday, Fantilli looked the part of a top-three draft pick and will have more chances to light the lamp in the final two games of the tournament on Saturday and Sunday.
