After scoring the game-tying goal with 6:14 left in regulation of the Blue Jackets' 6-5 overtime win over the Maple Leafs on Friday, Adam Fantilli is now third and tied for second among rookies in goals and points, respectively.
In 37 games, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 Draft has posted 10-12--22, which is tied for third on the Blue Jackets in both goals and points.
Folks, Adam Fantilli is a special player. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/5oLXeXzUhD
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) December 30, 2023
Fantilli said he's watching how his fellow rookies are doing but also focusing on his play.
"Obviously, you're watching what everybody else is doing," Fantilli said on Friday. "It's a cool thing to do. Everybody's having a lot of success, which is really cool. But I'm just focused on myself and getting better every day and trying to produce so that's all I'm really focused on."
Recently, Fantilli has played on a line with Johnny Gaudreau, and the two have been successful on the ice. Fantilli said he's learning from Gaudreau's poise.
"I'm trying to take from that (poise)," Fantilli said. "Not rush every play and take the time to make the right one. He's so skilled with the puck, it's kind of hard to replicate what he does. So just watching how smart he is and try and follow that and try and take some of that poise into my game and put it in there."
| Time On Ice | Shot Attempts For/Against | Shots on Goal For/Against | Scoring Chances For/Against | High Danger Chances For/Against | Expected Goals For/Against | Goals For/Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 124:31 | 106/130 | 55/56 | 52/65 | 29/25 | 5.41/5.59 | 6/5 |
Nearly 40 games into his NHL career, Fantilli is finding his role.
"Every time I go out, I try to have an impact," Fantilli said. "My role is to be a centerman and play that position properly, but also produce offensively and try and be as much of an offensive impact as possible. So I try and do that each and every night."
#CBJ Fantilli (9) goal pic.twitter.com/Ggg3BKjc2U
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) December 20, 2023
Fantilli also isn't afraid to mix it up physically, either, whether that's between or after the whistles.
"Sometimes you've got to police (the game) yourself," Fantilli said. "Obviously, you know, sometimes it's a matchup that you can't really do much about. You might have to take a couple of punches, but when it's for your teammates, it's fine. And obviously, we have guys on our team that take care of a lot of that stuff and we're very fortunate to have them. Sometimes you just got to jump in there and let your teammates know you have their back."
He scores big goals, plays the game's most important position, and isn't afraid to muck it up. What's not to like about Fantilli?
The Blue Jackets have a special talent on their hands.
