Fantili, Jacks sign ELC

[Brewin Flames]

Fantilli signs with Blue Jackets, No. 3 pick in 2023 NHL Draft

Forward could have gone back to University of Michigan for second season

NHL.com @NHLdotcom

 11:45 AM

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Adam Fantilli signed a three-year, entry-level contact with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday.

 

The Blue Jackets selected the 18-year-old center with the No. 3 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft on Wednesday.

 

Fantilli, as a freshman at the University of Michigan last season, led NCAA players with 65 points (30 goals, 35 assists) in 36 games and tied for the lead in goals. He won the Hobey Baker Award as the best men's NCAA ice hockey player and helped Michigan reach the Frozen Four semifinals.

 

After being selected, Fantilli told the "NHL Draft Class" podcast that any decision about signing or returning for a second season at Michigan could come after he spoke to Blue Jackets management when he got to Columbus for development camp, which begins Sunday.

 

"I haven't spoken with anybody yet in those terms," he said Wednesday. "I'm sure next week at development camp we'll have those type of conversations but nothing right now."

He also helped Canada win the gold medal at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2023 IIHF World Championship.

 

Fantilli's play at the World Championship, where he had three points (one goal, two assists) in 10 games, stood out to Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.

 

"He's a physically mature guy (6-foot-2, 195 pounds), he played against NHL players in the World Championship and did very well," Kekalainen said Wednesday. "Started on the fourth line but his role increased the whole time and he was a big part of Canada winning the gold at the end. His role kept increasing the whole tournament and he was one of the key players when they won it."