Adam Fantilli has ended his contract standoff with the Columbus Blue Jackets, agreeing Thursday to a six-year, $82.5 million deal. The contract runs through the 2031-32 season, carries a $13.75 million average annual value, and includes a $10 million signing bonus.
The 21-year-old center, a restricted free agent, missed the first eight days of training camp and three preseason games while negotiations played out. After completing his medical, he is expected to rejoin practice promptly and could be available for the preseason finale against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, subject to team decisions. He will have less than a week to settle in before Columbus opens the regular season against the Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 1.
Fantilli’s Impressive Performance and Impact on the Team
Fantilli posted a career-best 59 points last season, with 24 goals and 35 assists in 82 games. Selected third overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, he has 140 points (67 goals, 73 assists) in 213 career regular-season games. General manager Don Waddell has described Fantilli as a cornerstone player and framed the long-term agreement as a key step in pushing the Blue Jackets back into playoff contention and building toward championship aspirations by keeping their young core intact.
Columbus finished 40-30-12 last season for 92 points, its highest total since 2018-19, but still missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the sixth consecutive year. Fantilli was disappointed the negotiations stretched into camp after an offseason of training, but he stayed engaged by reviewing daily practice videos sent by coach Rick Bowness, with an emphasis on power-play work.
His focus now is to integrate quickly with teammates, avoid missing any regular-season games, and help drive the Blue Jackets back into the postseason. He expressed gratitude for the support from fans and teammates and confidence in the team’s direction and growth. With Fantilli’s commitment, the Columbus Blue Jackets are looking to make a significant impact in the upcoming NHL season.