In drafting Adam Fantilli with the third overall pick, the Columbus Blue Jackets selected one of a small number of players who are thought to be ready for the NHL.
As in, ready today.
It's more than possible that Fantilli has already played his last game at the University of Michigan. As a freshman, he was the best player in college hockey, tying for the NCAA lead in goals (30) and outright in points (65) in 36 games, while leading the Wolverines to a Frozen Four appearance. He became the third freshman to win the Hobey Baker, an annual award given to the top NCAA player, as a freshman. The other two freshman winners? Paul Kariya and Jack Eichel.
His size, maturity, and prowess over the college level lead one to think he's more than ready for the next stage in his development.
From The Athletic's Aaron Portzline:
In recent weeks, Fantilli has said he may return to Michigan for his sophomore season, pending conversations with his new club, his agent, his parents and the Michigan coaches. But Kekalainen, who scouted him extensively this season, both at Michigan and as part of Team Canada at the IIHF World Championships, has already made his feelings clear on that.
“We’re gonna talk to him about it, but we feel he’s ready,” Kekalainen said. “We’re going to make sure he knows that we think he’s ready. He’s already accomplished so much at the college level … that he’s ready for the next challenge.
“We’re gonna take his thoughts into consideration and listen to him carefully, of course. but we feel he’s ready.”
Fantilli sidestepped the major junior route, meaning that he is technically eligible for the AHL. But it's hard to imagine a scenario where Fantilli and the Blue Jackets agree that he's ready for pro hockey... but not the NHL. On the other hand, the Blue Jackets have a surplus of NHL forwards, and while Fantilli's pedigree is sky-high, he's still an 18-year-old kid.
It should be interesting to see what decision is made. Either way, his long-term trajectory is as high - or higher - than any draft pick in Blue Jackets franchise history.
