Adam Fantilli Signs Three-Year Entry-Level Contract, Officially A Blue Jacket

By Coby Maeir on July 1, 2023 at 11:46 am
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman congratulates Columbus Blue jackets second overall pick Adam Fantilli during round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena.
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
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Adam Fantilli is officially a Columbus Blue Jacket.

The Blue Jackets announced Saturday that Fantilli, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, signed his three-year entry-level contract

Fantilli, 18, played the 2022-23 season at the University of Michigan, where he led the nation with 30 goals and 65 points in 36 games, leading the Wolverines to a Big Ten Tournament championship and a Frozen Four appearance.

With his outstanding performance, Fantilli joined Paul Kariya and Jack Eichel as the only freshmen to win the Hobey Baker Award. 

Internationally, he posted 2-3--5 in seven games at the 2023 World Juniors and 1-2--3 in 10 games at the 2023 World Championship, winning gold with Canada at both tournaments. 

Widely regarded as the draft's best prospect behind No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard, Fantilli projects to be a No. 1 center. In many other drafts that didn't include Bedard, Fantilli would likely be the No. 1 pick, so the Blue Jackets selected a potentially generational player at No. 3.

Fantilli joins Kent Johnson, Zach Werenski, and Nick Blankenburg as Michigan alums on the Blue Jackets.

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