The Columbus Blue Jackets announced on Thursday that they have signed center Adam Fantilli to a six-year deal worth $82.5 million. As a restricted free agent, Fantilli missed the beginning of training camp while negotiations took place. With this contract, he becomes the highest-paid player on the team, earning an average of $13.75 million annually.
The 21-year-old Canadian was selected third overall by Columbus in the 2023 NHL Draft, following a standout college hockey career at the University of Michigan, where he received the Hobey Baker Award for the top player. Last season, Fantilli scored 24 goals—second on the team—and amassed 59 points, ranking third in scoring. Notably, he is just the third player in franchise history to record multiple 20-goal seasons before turning 22.
Blue Jackets’ general manager Don Waddell praised Fantilli’s skill set, highlighting his speed, size, and talent, along with his competitive drive. Waddell expressed excitement over Fantilli’s potential and his importance to the team’s future.
In comparison, other top prospects from the 2023 draft have signed shorter five-year agreements: Connor Bedard of Chicago, who reportedly earns around $15 million annually, and Leo Carlsson of Anaheim, whose team matched an $18 million per season offer sheet from Philadelphia. Will Smith, drafted fourth overall by San Jose, is still on his rookie contract’s final year.
Fantilli is expected to serve as the centerpiece of Columbus’s top line, playing alongside Kirill Marchenko, who led the team with 27 goals, and offseason acquisition Valeri Nichushkin from Colorado. The team’s veteran defenseman and Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski has two years left on his contract as the Blue Jackets aim for their first playoff appearance since 2020.
Fan Take: Fantilli’s massive contract signals the Blue Jackets’ serious commitment to building a competitive team around young talent, which is exciting for fans eager to see a future playoff run. This move could boost the league’s overall star power and impact the NHL’s future landscape, making hockey even more thrilling to watch.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
