How Adam Fantilli Changes the Columbus Blue Jackets
The team landed a franchise center in the 2023 draft selecting Adam Fantilli. The University of Michigan standout and Hobey Baker Award winner could make an immediate impact.
The 2023-24 NHL season schedule is out, and it's an exciting time for the Columbus Blue Jackets – on Wednesday, the team officially selected Adam Fantilli, a top-tier center prospect who has all the makings of an elite NHL player, from his size to his speed and tenacity.
Blue Jackets select Fantilli third overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft
The pick of Adam Fantilli will prove instrumental in filling a long-standing void in the Columbus roster. This year's pool of talent offered several viable options, but it seemed to be a dead-heat between two names in particular: Fantilli and Leo Carlsson of Sweden.
When the Anaheim Ducks selected Carlsson second, cheers erupted from the Jackets fans packing Pins Mechanical Co. to watch the draft: we all knew it meant Fantilli would be in Union Blue.
Fantilli’s mix of size, speed, and skill is the perfect complement alongside the finesse and playmaking abilities of Johnny Gaudreau and fellow Michigan alum Kent Johnson. He could also prove to be lethal alongside sniper Kirill Marchenko, who has his own personal goal of netting 40 goals in the NHL. Fantilli can clear space – he’s definitely not afraid to use his body for physical play – while racking up points when teams choose to focus on shutting down other scoring threats.
Adam Fantilli, University of Michigan (Big 10)
Born: October 12, 2004 in Nobleton, Ontario, Canada
Height: 6 ft 2 in
Weight: 187 lb
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Games Played Last Season for Michigan: 36
Goals: 30
Assists: 35
Points: 65
Penalty Minutes: 67
Plus/Minus: +31
Fantilli instantly becomes the most talented center the Jackets have selected, and it may not be long before he can lay claim to being the best center ever to wear Union Blue. It’s not a stretch, he simply brings a pedigree unlike any we’ve seen before. His aggressiveness and ability to attack the net could prove to be a turning point for a team that often looked to set up a pretty pass first.
In media availability following the pick, Jarmo Kekalainen praised Fantilli for his work ethic and the accomplishments so far in his career. While the option remains that Fantilli could return to Michigan for his sophomore season, having already won the Hobey Baker Award as the best college hockey player, it would seem his sights are set on the next level.
He’s only the third freshman to ever win the Hobey Baker, joining the legendary Paul Kariya and recent Stanley Cup winner Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights.
Even better, Fantilli made it clear that Columbus was his ideal destination. It’s close to home, he can suit up alongside Wolverines including Johnson and Zach Werenski, and he instantly becomes a cornerstone piece for the next decade in Columbus.
Life of a hockey scout
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind-the-scenes throughout the process of scouting and drafting a player like Fantilli? The Jackets provided some insight to two of their top scouts with interviews worth your time.
Getting to know Ville Siren, the Director of Amateur Scouting for the Columbus Blue Jackets is like getting a backstage pass to the draft process. A native of Finland, Siren's journey from his professional hockey career in the 80s to his position in the Jackets' scouting department is rich with experience and insights.
Starting his career in the NHL as a player, Siren transitioned to scouting after a phone call from the Washington Capitals. His long-standing friendship with Kekalainen, which dates back to their time playing together in Finland, led him to Columbus, where he's been instrumental in shaping the team's future. His relentless work ethic, coupled with his insightful opinions and challenging conversations with Kekalainen, have contributed to the Jackets' solid performance in recent drafts.
Known for announcing the team's top pick at the draft, despite English being his second language, Siren's dedication to scouting shines through in every aspect of his work. His meticulous approach and expertise have been pivotal in rebuilding the organization over the past three drafts, with seven of the 21 choices already having made their NHL debuts.
This article provides an excellent insight into Siren's journey, his contributions to the team, and his perspective on the draft process. It's a must-read for any Blue Jackets fan who wants a deeper understanding of the team's strategy and operations behind the scenes.
If video is more your speed, here’s a particularly insightful interview featuring the Columbus Blue Jackets' Assistant Director of Amateur Scouting, Trevor Timmins. He joined the CBJ’s Dylan Tyrer on an episode of the Pipeline Podcast while at the NHL Combine.
Following stints with Montreal and Ottawa (where he worked with Kekalainen), Timmins shares his unique perspective on the draft process. It's a another fascinating glimpse into the decision-making that shapes the future of our favorite team.
He talks about the importance of later round picks proving out, noting that nailing a 7th round pick is just as important as the first round, and about the debates that go on between Siren, Kekalainen, himself, and others as they debate and finalize the team’s draft board.
Day 2 of the draft is now underway. The future looks bright – we can’t wait to see Fantilli take the ice!
Get to know the Jackets’ new defensemen
Here are some highlights of defenseman Ivan Provorov, #9 – check out the end-to-end play starting at 1:15.
And below, get your fill of beautiful assists (and a few goals) from defenseman Damon Severson. Switching up his number in Columbus, he wore #28 during his time in New Jersey, he’ll wear #78 in Union Blue.
Let’s hope we see a lot of this in our future.
Go Jackets!