This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten

The Columbus Blue Jackets didn’t have much luck at the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery. They had the second-best odds to win it but they fell all the way down to the third pick.

However, they did get a bit lucky with the draft when it came to how things shook out for them. The Chicago Blackhawks, who won the lottery, selected Connor Bedard who was the obvious choice.

After that, the Blue Jackets ran into some luck. The Anaheim Ducks passed on the player that everyone thought they would take. Adam Fantilli was expected to be the pick as he was clearly the second-best prospect last season.

The Anaheim Ducks, who did get that second overall pick even though they had the best odds at the first, selected Leo Carlson. Of course, Carlsson is a wonderful prospect too but the Blue Jackets loved seeing Fantilli available.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are lucky to be the team that has Adam Fantilli.

It was the first time that people in Columbus were ever excited about a player from Ann Arbor. It is really funny when you think about it.

Over the last handful of days, NHL teams have been participating in various prospect tournaments. The Blue Jackets are involved in the Traverse City Prospect Tournament.

The Chicago Blackhawks, playing in the Tom Kurver’s Prospect Showcase, saw Connor Bedard score a hat trick in his first game against the St. Louis Blues. It was a great way for him to get going this season.

Adam Fantilli, who will draw comparisons to Bedard for his entire career, decided to have a hat trick as well for Columbus on Saturday night. One of his three goals was as pretty as any goal you’ll see this season at any level. He was wonderful.

On Sunday, the Blue Jackets entered the third period with a lead as they looked to go 3-0 in the tourney. Unfortunately, the Dallas Stars had a big period and took the game.

Going 2-1 is still fun for Columbus as they enjoyed watching their prospects. Seeing Fantilli play this way was very special as well. Don’t forget about him as a big rookie year is ahead.