The future of Adam Fantilli's contract negotiations is a topic that has hockey fans buzzing, especially as his draft class colleagues have already secured their next deals. With the Columbus Blue Jackets holding the 3rd overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, they had the opportunity to select Fantilli, and they did not disappoint. Now, the question on everyone's mind is, how much will the Blue Jackets pay their prized center? The answer lies in understanding the market set by his draft class colleagues, Leo Carlsson and Connor Bedard.
Carlsson, drafted 2nd overall, signed a 5-year, $90MM contract with the Anaheim Ducks, which equates to a 17.31% cap hit. Bedard, drafted 1st overall, signed a 5-year, $75MM contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, taking up 14.42% of their cap space. These contracts set a precedent for younger players, with the high cap hit becoming the new standard. However, it's worth noting that Bedard's contract is $3MM less per season than Carlsson's, providing some wiggle room for the Blue Jackets in their negotiations.
Fantilli's camp and the Jackets have been in regular contact, with GM Don Waddell speaking to Fantilli's agent, Pat Brisson, daily before his vacation. This indicates a positive and productive negotiation process. The Blue Jackets have approximately $13MM in cap space, and with the high cap hits of Carlsson and Bedard, they may need to find a balance between a long-term deal and a shorter-term contract. An anonymous league source suggests a term between 5 and 7 years, which would be a reasonable approach given the current market.
The term of the contract is a crucial factor. A 2-year short-term deal seems unlikely given the market, while an 8-year, $80MM contract as projected by AFP Analytics is a possibility before the new CBA kicks in. However, with the front-loaded money commanded by these players, the Blue Jackets may opt for a shorter-term contract to avoid the luxury of a long-term commitment. This would allow Fantilli to reevaluate his value in his unrestricted free agent years and potentially secure an even bigger contract if he continues to excel.
Fantilli's 2025-26 season with the Blue Jackets was impressive, scoring 24 goals and 59 points in 82 games. His performance puts him in a strong position for negotiations. The Blue Jackets have already signed 23-year-old forward Cole Sillinger and goaltender Jet Greaves, leaving Fantilli as one of the last remaining RFAs to sign. The pressure is on for the Blue Jackets to secure a deal that reflects Fantilli's value and ensures his long-term commitment to the team.
In conclusion, the future of Adam Fantilli's contract is a fascinating development in the NHL. The Blue Jackets must navigate the market set by his draft class colleagues and make a decision that benefits both the team and the player. With the right approach, Fantilli can secure a lucrative contract and continue his journey as a top center in the league.
