2023-07-12 02:06:54
COLUMBUS — Adam Fantilli already knows what it feels like to be cheered on in a packed building in Columbus.
If all goes according to plan, the forward can expect to experience that feeling quite often in his rookie season with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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Fantilli was treated to a standing ovation and fans chanting “CBJ!” CBJ! when introduced to the 20,000 supporters of hometown MLS side Columbus Crew on July 1, hours following the third overall pick in the 2023 draft signed his rookie contract.
The romance continued over the next four days as Blue Jackets fans packed the team’s practice facility to see him in action at development camp. Several of them wore the colors of the University of Michigan, Fantilli’s team in the NCAA.
Fantilli, who will be 19 when the Blue Jackets open the regular season once morest the Philadelphia Flyers at Nationwide Arena on Oct. 12, signed every autograph he might and posed for countless photos.
“I remember when I was young in Toronto, when players were in town, I wanted to take pictures with them and watch them play, remembered Fantilli. I’m happy to be that player today.
“The warm welcome is extraordinary. I can’t wait to be back this fall. »
Maybe not as eager as those who already see him as a future franchise player. The native of Nobleton, Ont., is seen as a generational talent and, with coach Mike Babcock, he embodies a new era, as the Blue Jackets finished last in the Metropolitan Division (25-48-9) in 2022-23 and missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs the past three seasons.
Proponents have every reason to believe it.
Fantilli is the third freshman in history to win the Hobey-Baker Trophy, given to the NCAA’s most valuable player (Paul Kariya, University of Maine, 1993; Jack Eichel, Boston University, 2015). He led the NCAA with 65 points (30 goals, 35 assists) and an average of 1.81 points per game in 36 games to help the Wolverines reach the Frozen Four tournament.
He also helped Canada win gold at the 2023 World Junior Championship and the 2023 IIHF World Championship. He’s tipped to be the Blue Jackets’ next number one center, possibly as early as this season.
“He’s got the skills, he’s got the size (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) and he’s got a good skate,” Blue Jackets director of player personnel Chris Clark said. “He is the player who makes plays and takes shots. He definitely has all the tools. »
What also impressed the coaches was the leadership shown by Fantilli in camp. He was the first to pick up the pucks following practices.
“His character is one of the reasons we had him so high [sur notre liste au repêchage] and we hold him in such high regard,” explained general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. “Physically, he is ready. Mentally, he is ready to take the challenge to the next level. »
Kekalainen offered a simple answer when asked what Fantilli needs to do to meet the huge expectations placed on him.
“Getting better every day,” he said. He has to come to work wanting to be a better player. What can we do today to be a better hockey player and a better professional? We think he has that mentality. He is determined to become better. »
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