Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Adam Fantilli is expected to take the next step

Drafted third overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Adam Fantilli is one of the highest rated prospects ever in the Blue Jackets organization. In most drafts, he would have been the first overall pick. The Blue Jackets were fortunate that he fell into their lap. He was drafted to be the #1 center that the Blue Jackets have never really [consistently] had.

The 2023-2024 season was Fantilli’s rookie campaign. Overall, it wasn’t a terrible season for the young centerman. He scored 27 points in 49 games played and showed flashes of his potential. The biggest black mark on the season was a season ending calf laceration.

It would have been ideal to see Fantilli play the entire season and continue to develop. However, his health is of the utmost importance to his future, so the team decided to shut him down for the year so his leg could heal properly.

For the 2024-2025 season, the Blue Jackets will expect Fantilli to continue his development into the player they believe that he can become. He will play center, likely on the second line with Sean Monahan centering the first line. He will play in all situations (especially in the offensive zone). There may be some growing pains with him this season, as is expected with all young players. But the Blue Jackets are willing to go through those growing pains if it helps Fantilli mature into the top line player that they believe that he can be.

Fantilli is still on his entry level contract that’s worth $950k per season. That contract expires after the 2025-2026 season. He will be a restricted free agent once his contract expires.

Being a core member of the Blue Jackets and one of the highest potential stars in the league, expect Fantilli to be with the Blue Jackets for many years. He will definitely be signed once his contract expires. The length and value of his new contract is to be determined. That all depends on his performance over the next two seasons.

One bold prediction: Adam Fantilli will exceed the 60-point mark this season.

This may not be so bold, but I think Fantilli can exceed 60 points in his sophomore season if he stays healthy. He was on pace for a 45 point rookie campaign. It took some time for him to get comfortable in the NHL. But as the season progressed, he was really starting to display his talent. Unfortunately, that calf laceration cut his season short.

But if he can re-discover that momentum, I think the sky is the limit. He can easily be one of the top offensive players on this team. Especially with Patrik Laine gone, Fantilli will be given more opportunities to play in all offensive situations.

Adam Fantilli was drafted to be the #1 center of the Blue Jackets. While he is only going into his sophomore season, he is still expected to take a major step in his development and elevate his game. If he can blossom into the top center that he is projected to be, the Blue Jackets will see themselves climb out of the standing’s basement very quickly.