Blog

May 03, 2024

Columbus Blue Jackets 2023

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 28: Adam Fantilli is selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets with the third overall pick during round one of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena on June 28,

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 28: Adam Fantilli is selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets with the third overall pick during round one of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena on June 28, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Jackets enter the upcoming season at a bit of a crossroads. After an injury-riddled 2022-23 season, they’re expected to take major steps forward, perhaps even pushing towards a playoff spot under new head coach Mike Babcock. A lot of that playoff hope hinges on someone taking over and becoming a true #1 center for this team. At some point, that someone is going to be Adam Fantilli.

While it’s important to temper expectations, it’s also important to note context. First, I have to point out that even though Fantilli is just coming off of his NHL Draft year; he’s already 18 years old, and will be turning 19 on opening night. He’s not just your typical 18 year old kid coming out of junior – this is a guy with a 6’2″, nearly 200 pound frame…who just won the Hobey Baker Award as the best player in college hockey.

He’s just the third freshman to achieve that feat in NCAA history. The last guy to do that? Jack Eichel, who promptly stepped in to the NHL that next season and put up 56 points as a rookie, on a terrible Buffalo team. Fantilli will join a Columbus team that is miles ahead of where that 2015 Sabres team was, from a talent perspective. In fact, without the injuries last season, this Jacket team was nowhere near bad enough to be picking in the top-5 of the draft. Landing Fantilli adds an exclamation point to an already strong core in Columbus. And like everyone else, I expect him to be a difference maker right away.

RIGA, LATVIA – MAY 14: Adam Fantilli of Canada in action during the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Finland – Latvia game between Slovenia and Canada at Arena Riga on May 14, 2023 in Riga, Latvia. (Photo by Andrea Branca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Looking at the CBJ roster, it’s not hard to see Adam Fantilli taking over the #1 center job by season’s end. In fact, I think he could be there by Christmas, if he comes to work with the right mindset. Ultimately, I think he should be one of the favorites for the Calder Trophy as the top rookie in the league. If he settles into a role alongside Johnny Gaudreau, Patrik Laine, or even Kent Johnson; I think the sky is the limit for Adam this season. Buckle up, he’s that good.