Columbus Blue Jackets forward Adam Fantilli is achieving success early

Adam Fantilli, forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets, will be in his second season when the 2024-25 season begins. The third overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft has already shown glimpses of being the cornerstone of the franchise offensively.

Of course, we should not be shocked as he has performed extremely well wherever he has played. This season should be no different as he looks to take his game to the next level.

Fantilli made his mark early in his career. Playing for the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL) from 2020-2022. In that time, he produced 55 goals and 55 assists for 110 points in 103 games while registering a +30.

Fantilli would then leave Steel to become part of the University of Michigan for the following season. There, he would elevate his game on the Big-10 stage and further his development by making NHL teams notice him for the upcoming draft.

The Columbus Blue Jackets made a wise decision drafting Adam Fantilli

During the 2022-2023 season with the Wolverines, he scored 30 goals and 36 assists for 66 points in 36 games with 67 penalty minutes.

Fantilli would become a household name during that season as fans, and media, became aware of his skills and tendencies to take over games. He was becoming a big-time prospect and one that would prove that he belonged in the NHL.

After being drafted third overall by Columbus, the Blue Jackets wasted no time in bringing him into the fold to begin his NHL career. He did not disappoint, putting together a solid season at both ends of the ice during his rookie campaign.

His totals included 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points along with 16 penalty minutes. Fantilli is a player of multiple skill sets.

He plays a physical game, he can skate, is offensively gifted, plays a 200-foot game, grinds along the boards, and can be used in all situations, So far in the preseason, he has four goals and two assists for six points and is a +5 in four games.

Columbus is gearing up for another season with Fantilli as one of the key pieces going forward. However, they did add some depth to push for a playoff spot this season.

Veteran forwards Sean Monahan and James van Riemsdyk were added for secondary scoring and a veteran presnece, and promising defenseman Jordan Harris was acquired from the Montreal Canadians for Patrik Laine.