Good things come to those who wait.
For the Columbus Blue Jackets and their fans, they've been waiting 23 years for a player like Adam Fantilli.
Relive the moment Adam Fantilli officially became a Columbus Blue Jacket. #CBJpic.twitter.com/wGuWZmjecb
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) June 29, 2023
In most years, Fantilli would be the slam-dunk No. 1 overall pick. But, this year, he falls to No. 3, and is not only the best prospect in Blue Jackets history, but the first franchise-changing center they've ever drafted.
"Obviously, that's exciting and I'm honored to have these types of expectations," Fantilli said when asked about being the franchise's No. 1 center. "So hopefully I'll be able to meet them and I just want to get there and work as hard as I can and compete as hard as I can and hopefully be the best version of myself I can be."
Not only does Fantilli possess the game-breaking ability, snarl, and physical traits to be an elite No. 1 center in the NHL, but he has elite character and personality to go along with it.
"He's probably one of the most competitive people I know," Gavin Brindley, Fantilli's linemate at Michigan and fellow Blue Jackets draftee, said. "He would do anything to win on and off the ice. No matter what it is. He's a freak of nature. He's 6-foot-2, 195 pounds and then moves like a 5-foot-9, 170-pound guy out there."
Back in May, @AdamFantilli told us what team he'd like to go to most... #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/diBMaEkCNz
— NHL (@NHL) June 28, 2023
The Blue Jackets have never had a player like Fantilli before, and that includes Rick Nash, who was a great Blue Jacket in his own right. As great as Nash was, Fantilli can be even better while doing it at the center position.
Adam Fantilli had 140+ names of people whove helped him along his journey written on the back of his vest. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/Gkt62Ca2NG
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) June 29, 2023
Fantilli doesn't turn 19 until opening night of the regular season, but make no mistake, he is the new face of the franchise.
Adam Fantilli is a franchise-changing player. #CBJ https://t.co/gL89xmOHRP
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) June 14, 2023
The waiting is over, Blue Jackets fans. You have you're franchise No. 1 center.
