Summer Spotlight: Fantilli could make an impact right away

Number: 11

Birth date:Oct. 12, 2004 (age 18)

Birthplace:Nobleton, Ontario

Height, Weight:6-2, 195

2022-23 Stats (University of Michigan):36 GP, 30-35-65

Contract: Signed entry-level contract through 2025-26 season (Three years remaining until RFA status)

Time will tell just how impactful this summer's NHL draft will be in the long view of history, but there's a chance it will turn into a franchise-defining moment for the Blue Jackets.

For a team that historically has been looking for a top-line center, Columbus' choice of Adam Fantilli at No. 3 overall could be an addition that serves as a turning point.

Of course, that's presuming big things are coming in Fantilli's career, and we're not trying to put a ton of pressure on someone who is yet to play an NHL game. But it seems like the perfect marriage, as Fantilli wanted to be a Blue Jacket and checks off a lot of boxes as a potential standout player, leader and fan favorite.

"He's exactly what we need, exactly that player we're always looking for," general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. "He plays the game the right way, produces not just with skill but with determination and character and will. Those players are rarely available, so we're very, very pleased to have him."

Fantilli is coming off a historic season at the University of Michigan, where he led the nation in scoring as a true freshman and helped the Wolverines to the Frozen Four one year after the team lost a bevy of talent to the NHL level. He is the type of player who can excel in all areas of the game, as he has size and excellent skating ability, he can put the puck in the net, and he's not afraid to play with some sandpaper to his game as well.

And as we said, he wanted to be in Columbus, viewing it as a place he can make an impact and skate with a lot of people he already knows from U-M.

"I'm over the moon," he said on draft night. "Having familiar faces is always helpful with a transition. … It's close to home. I thought it would be a great fit. There's a lot of the Michigan guys there. It just felt like it would be the right spot."

Top Moment of 2022-23

Fantilli filled up the stat sheet a season ago with Michigan, including two hat tricks, five other multigoal games and eight performances with at least three points. But we're partial to a game Feb. 10 at rival Michigan State in which the centerman accomplished a rare feat at the college level -- a Gordie Howe hat trick. Fantilli had a goal, an assist and a fighting major, becoming the first player to do so in NCAA hockey since 2014, per College Hockey News. We don't necessarily want to glorify fighting at the college level, but it does show that not only does Fantilli bring undeniable skill to the table, he isn't afraid to stand up for his team in the heat of battle in a rivalry game.

Fantilli's Top Highlight

Stat to Know

There's a lot to like about Fantilli, as we could go with plenty of stats here. How about the fact that he set a Big Ten tournament record with seven goals and 11 points in four games, or that his playoff line a year ago read 10-5-15 in seven Big Ten/NCAA tournament contests? There's also the fact he became just the third freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award as the nation's best player, joining Paul Kariya and Jack Eichel. But we'll go with the fact his 1.81 points per game was the best mark in college hockey since fellow Michigan player Kyle Connor in 2015-16, as that shows that Fantilli's scoring abilities were historic in nature.

2023-24 Expectations

Let's not put too much pressure on someone who won't turn 19 until opening night, but there's quite a bit of reason to be excited with the potential of Fantilli. His well-rounded game could fit into the lineup from the start, and while there are bound to be ups and downs, he's one of the rare NHL prospects who could be a regular the season after his draft year. The Blue Jackets won't expect him to be a top line player from the start, but it would be a successful season if he is able to settle in and learn the pro game while skating with the team. Columbus will be careful not to put too much on his shoulders, but if he can take the opportunity and run with it, all the better.