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Adam Fantilli could absolutely challenge for the Calder Trophy

By Vincent Parise|
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 28: (L-R) Leo Carlsson, second overall pick by the Anaheim Ducks, Connor Bedard, first overall pick by the Chicago Blackhawks, and Adam Fantilli, third overall pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets, pose for a photo during the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft - Round One at Bridgestone Arena on June 28, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 28: (L-R) Leo Carlsson, second overall pick by the Anaheim Ducks, Connor Bedard, first overall pick by the Chicago Blackhawks, and Adam Fantilli, third overall pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets, pose for a photo during the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft - Round One at Bridgestone Arena on June 28, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Ohio is an outstanding sports state. It is obvious that football dominates that scene. Hockey deserves to be mentioned there though and the Columbus Blue Jackets are the key to that.

They were a good team for most of the 2010s and into the 2020s but have been struggling over the last year or so. Injuries and inconsistencies played a big part in it.

Now, they are hoping for things to bounce back. They have plenty of good players who can make a difference and even be stars in the National Hockey League.

One player that they’d like to see step in and make an impact is Adam Fantilli. He was the number three overall pick by the Blue Jackets in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Adam Fantilli is ready to begin his National Hockey League career in 2023-24.

Fantilli was supposed to go to the Anaheim Ducks as the second overall pick but they chose Leo Carlsson instead. Only time will tell if that was smart. Now, Fantilli is in Columbus.

He earned this draft status because of his amazing pre-NHL career. That included his freshman year at Michigan (yes, the Michigan student ended up in Columbus).

There, he became only the third freshman to ever win the Hobey Baker Award as the best player in college hockey. It was a truly amazing season to watch. Now, he is ready for the NHL.

Fantilli will certainly make the Blue Jackets this season. Not only will he make it, he will be an incredibly important player all season long. He is ready.

Last week, ESPN’s John Buccigross weighed in on his prediction for Fantilli in 2023-24. He believes that he will challenge for the Calder Trophy by having 30 goals and 30 assists for 60 points.

That would certainly be an amazing season for him as a rookie. He has had success at every level and that isn’t expected to change in the NHL.

Obviously, the number one pick Connor Bedard will be in the Calder Trophy mix as well along with guys like Luke Hughes, Logan Cooley, and Devon Levi. It should be a fun race.

If Fantilli and his teammates are actually this good this year, the Blue Jackets will be one of the most improved teams. That will be fun to watch.

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