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Adam Fantilli
Adam Fantilli
from Wikipedia

Adamo Giuliano Fantilli (born October 12, 2004) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted third overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2023 NHL entry draft.[1][2] During his freshman season at the University of Michigan he was the leading goal and point-scorer and won the Hobey Baker Award, becoming the third freshman to win the award, after Paul Kariya in 1993 and Jack Eichel in 2015.

Key Information

Playing career

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Early years

[edit]

Fantilli was drafted in the first round, 18th overall, by the Saginaw Spirit in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection Draft.[3] He was considered the top Canadian prospect in the draft, however, he had already committed to play for the Chicago Steel.[4] On September 13, 2021, the Spirit exercised their defected player rule and traded Fantilli's OHL playing rights to the North Bay Battalion. Saginaw received a first-round pick, 19th overall, in the 2022 draft, one spot after the player was originally drafted, as compensation for the player failing to report to the team. They would have also received four conditional picks if Fantilli had ever played in the OHL.[5][6]

Fantilli attended Kimball Union Academy where he recorded 18 goals and 18 assists in 25 games. On March 25, 2020, Fantilli signed a USHL tender agreement with the Chicago Steel for the 2020–21 season.[7] During the regular season he recorded 18 goals and 18 assists in 49 games for the Steel and was named to the USHL All-Rookie Second Team.[8] During the Clark Cup playoffs, he recorded eight goals and one assist in eight games to help lead his team to the Anderson Cup and Clark Cup. He was subsequently named the Clark Cup Playoffs MVP.[9] During the 2021–22 season, he led the team in scoring and recorded 37 goals and 37 assists in 54 games. His 37 goals were the second-most in a single season in program history.[10] His 74 points tied him with Kyle Connor for the most points by a player in their draft-minus-one season in USHL history.[11] Following the season he was named to the All-USHL First Team.[12]

Collegiate

[edit]
Fantilli (right) playing for Michigan alongside his brother Luca (left) in a December 2, 2022 game against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin

In August 2021, Fantilli verbally committed to the University of Michigan.[13] He began his collegiate career for the Michigan Wolverines during the 2022–23 season.[14] He made his debut for Michigan on October 7, 2022, in a game against Lindenwood, where he won 15 of 19 faceoffs and recorded two assists.[15] The next day, he scored his first career collegiate goal in a victory over Lindenwood.[16] On October 21, he scored his first career hat-trick in a game against Lake Superior State.[17][18] The next day, he scored a career-high four points with one goal and three assists, in a victory over Lake Superior State.[19] He was subsequently named the Big Ten First Star of the Week for the week ending October 24, after he recorded seven points during the weekend series.[20] With 15 points over his first six games, he recorded the best start in program history since Bruno Baseotto had 19 points in his first six games in 1979.[21] He was named the Hockey Commissioners Association Men's Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month for the month of October.[22] In eight games, he recorded eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points. He recorded at least one point in every game.[23] He was named the Hockey Commissioners Association Men's Player of the Month for the month of January. In six games, he recorded five goals and nine assists for 14 points, and led the NCAA with 2.33 points per game.[24] On February 24, 2023, Fantilli recorded his 50th point of the season, becoming the first player in the nation to reach the milestone. He became the first Wolverine player to record 50 points in a season since Cooper Marody had 51 points during the 2017–18 season.[25] During the regular season he recorded 11 goals and 19 assists in 19 conference games for a league-best 1.58 points per game. Following an outstanding season, he was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team, the All-Big Ten First Team and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year.[26]

During the 2023 Big Ten men's ice hockey tournament he set the Big Ten tournament record for goals in a single tournament with seven and in points with 11. He was subsequently named the Big Ten Tournament MVP.[27][28] He finished his freshman year with 30 goals and 35 assists in 36 games. He led the nation in points, and goals, averaging 1.81 points-per-game, 0.83 goals-per-game and 0.98 assists-per-game. His 1.81 points-per-game average was the third-highest scoring mark behind only Johnny Gaudreau (2.00) and Kyle Connor (1.87). Following an outstanding season he was awarded the Tim Taylor Award, Hobey Baker Award and was named an AHCA West First Team All-American.[29][30] He became the third freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award, after Paul Kariya in 1993 and Jack Eichel in 2015.[31]

Professional

[edit]

Fantilli was drafted third overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. On July 1, 2023, Fantilli signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets, forgoing the remainder of his college career.[32][33]

Fantilli made his NHL debut on October 12, 2023, his 19th birthday, against the Philadelphia Flyers.[34] He scored his first career NHL goal on October 21, 2023, as part of a 5–4 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild.[35] During the 2023–24 season, as a rookie, he recorded 12 goals and 15 assists in 49 games, before suffering a season-ending calf laceration on January 28, 2024, in a game against the Seattle Kraken.[36][37]

On January 22, 2025, Fantilli scored his first NHL hat-trick in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Fantilli who grew up about 40 minutes north of Toronto, had 70 family and friends in attendance for the game.[38][39] His mother was the first person to throw her hat onto the ice following his hat-trick.[40]

International play

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Medal record
Ice hockey
Representing  Canada
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2023 Finland/Latvia
World Junior Championships
Gold medal – first place 2023 Canada
Winter Youth Olympics
Bronze medal – third place 2020 Lausanne

Fantilli was part of the Canadian boys' team at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics where he served as alternate captain.[41] During the tournament he recorded two goals and one assist in four games and won a bronze medal.[42][43]

In 2022, Fantilli was named to Canada's national under-18 team at the 2022 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he again served as alternate captain. He recorded one goal and five assists in four games before the team was knocked out in the quarterfinal stage.[44][45] On December 12, 2022, he was named to Canada's national junior team at the 2023 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.[46] During the tournament he recorded two goals and three assists in seven games, and won a gold medal.[47]

On May 5, 2023, Fantilli was named to Canada's senior national team at the 2023 IIHF World Championship.[48][49] He scored the game-winning goal in the semi-final against Latvia, his first of the tournament.[50][51] He finished the tournament with one goal and two assists and won a gold medal. He became the second Canadian to win gold at both the World Juniors and World Championship in the same year, after Jonathan Toews, and the 11th player to do so in the world. He was subsequently nominated for the inaugural IIHF Male Player of the Year award.[52][53]

After missing the final months of the 2023–24 season with injury, Fantilli rejoined the senior national team for the 2024 IIHF World Championship.[37][54] Citing his shortened professional season as a motive for competing, he said: "I have to get my game going. That's my concern."[37] However, Fantilli was subsequently dropped from the roster in advance of the tournament, with the addition of a number of more experienced NHL players whose teams were ousted in the first round of the playoffs.[55]

Personal life

[edit]

Fantilli is the son of Giuliano and Julia Fantilli. His brother, Luca, also plays college ice hockey at Michigan.[10] Fantilli is of Polish descent on his mother’s side, and of Italian descent on his father’s side[56]

Career statistics

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Regular season and playoffs

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Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2020–21 Chicago Steel USHL 49 18 18 36 22 8 8 1 9 2
2021–22 Chicago Steel USHL 54 37 37 74 93 3 0 1 1 2
2022–23 University of Michigan B1G 36 30 35 65 67
2023–24 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 49 12 15 27 16
2024–25 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 82 31 23 54 18
NHL totals 131 43 38 81 34

International

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Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2022 Canada U18 5th 4 1 5 6 0
2023 Canada WJC 1st place, gold medalist(s) 7 2 3 5 4
2023 Canada WC 1st place, gold medalist(s) 10 1 2 3 29
2025 Canada WC 5th 8 0 0 0 0
Junior totals 11 3 8 11 4
Senior totals 18 1 2 3 29

Awards and honours

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Adam Fantilli (born October 12, 2004) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born in , Fantilli rose through junior hockey ranks with the of the (USHL), where he recorded 110 points (55 goals and 55 assists) over two seasons from 2020 to , ranking ninth in team history for total points. In , he committed to the , where as a in the 2022–23 season, he led all NCAA players with 65 points (30 goals and 35 assists) in 36 games, earning the as the top player in college hockey, the Tim Taylor National Rookie of the Year Award, first-team honors, Big Ten of the Year, and Big Ten Tournament MVP. Selected third overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Fantilli signed a three-year entry-level contract worth $2.85 million and made his NHL debut that fall. In his rookie 2023–24 season, he appeared in 49 games, tallying 27 points (12 goals and 15 assists) despite missing time due to injury. He followed with a breakout 2024–25 campaign, posting career highs of 54 points (31 goals and 23 assists) in 82 games, including his first NHL on January 22, 2025. As of November 16, 2025, in the 2025–26 season, Fantilli has recorded 12 points (5 goals and 7 assists) in 17 games while centering the top line. Over three NHL seasons, he has amassed 93 points (48 goals and 45 assists) in 148 games. Internationally, Fantilli has represented Canada, winning gold at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship (5 points in 7 games) and the 2023 IIHF World Championship, as well as bronze at the 2020 Youth Olympic Games, serving as alternate captain and winning gold at the 2022 IIHF U18 World Championship (6 points in 4 games), and representing Canada at the senior level at the 2023 and 2025 IIHF World Championships, winning gold in 2023. He has expressed ambitions for future Olympic participation.

Early life

Family and background

Adam Fantilli was born on October 12, 2004, in , . He is the son of Giuliano Fantilli, who serves as of Villa Kitchens and Fine Cabinetry, and Julia Fantilli. The family has deep Italian roots, with Fantilli's parents being Canadian nationals of Italian descent, which has instilled in him a strong sense of cultural heritage. This background has positioned him as potentially eligible to represent internationally, given ongoing discussions about players with Italian ancestry participating in events like the 2026 Olympics. He has an older brother, Luca Fantilli, who also pursued a career in , playing as a defenseman at the alongside Adam during their collegiate years. Raised in the small community of , just north of , Fantilli grew up in a supportive household that emphasized and athletic development. His parents actively encouraged their sons' involvement in sports, fostering an environment that prioritized resilience and cultural connection through family trips to and shared experiences tied to their immigrant ancestry. This foundation of familial encouragement played a key role in shaping his early life before his formal entry into competitive hockey.

Introduction to hockey

Adam Fantilli's introduction to ice hockey began in his hometown of , where he first stepped onto the ice for organized play around age four through local minor hockey programs. Growing up in a supportive family environment, Fantilli joined the Duffield Devils, a community team in the area, shortly after turning five, marking his entry into structured youth hockey. At this early stage, Fantilli's development was shaped by foundational training with local coach David D'ammizio, whom he and his older brother Luca began working with around age four. D'ammizio's regimens emphasized basic skating techniques, puck control, and competitive drills tailored for young players, helping Fantilli build essential skills in a low-pressure setting. This early coaching, combined with frequent on-ice sessions at local rinks, laid the groundwork for his technical proficiency and passion for the sport. As Fantilli progressed through Ontario's minor hockey system, he advanced to more competitive levels, including stints with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens Minor Hockey Association (MHA) in the (GTHL), starting around age 13 in U14 AAA. These teams provided increased exposure to structured play and team dynamics, further honing his abilities without the intensity of junior leagues. Family influence played a key role in his commitment, as his parents encouraged balancing multiple activities initially but supported his shift to prioritize hockey over competitive by age 14, recognizing his emerging talent.

Playing career

Youth and junior hockey

Fantilli honed his skills in minor hockey in the before advancing to more competitive youth leagues. In the (GTHL), he played for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA team during the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons, where he demonstrated strong scoring ability with 28 goals and 44 points in 34 games in one of those campaigns. Mid-way through the 2019–20 season, Fantilli relocated to the to join in Meriden, , for preparatory school hockey. There, in 26 games, he recorded 18 goals and 36 points, contributing to the team's success in the USHS-Prep league. On March 25, 2020, Fantilli signed a tender agreement with the of the (USHL), committing to the junior league ahead of the 2020–21 season. In his debut USHL year, limited by the , he posted 18 goals and 36 points in 49 regular-season games, helping the Steel reach the playoffs where he added nine points in eight contests en route to winning the Clark Cup championship and earning MVP honors. Fantilli's breakout came in the 2021–22 USHL season, during which he led the league in both goals (37) and points (74) across 54 games, showcasing his dynamic skating, puck-handling, and net-front presence as a 6-foot-2 . His dominant performance solidified his status as a premier prospect for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, with scouts praising his high-end skill set, physicality, and ability to drive play at both ends of the ice, often ranking him among the top three overall selections.

Collegiate career

In August 2021, Fantilli verbally committed to join the Wolverines for the 2022–23 NCAA season as a , following two standout years in the United States Hockey League (USHL). He arrived in Ann Arbor as one of the top prospects for the 2023 NHL Draft, bringing his dynamic scoring ability to a stacked roster that included fellow high-end talents like Luke Hughes and . During his lone collegiate season, Fantilli exploded offensively, recording 65 points (30 goals and 35 assists) in 36 games to lead all NCAA players in scoring and tie for the national lead in goals. His production powered the Wolverines to a 29–9–3 overall record and a berth in the NCAA Tournament's regional final, where Michigan fell 2–1 in overtime to Penn State after Fantilli scored the game-tying power-play goal midway through the third period. Earlier highlights included his first career hat trick in a 5–2 season-opening win over Lake Superior State on October 21, 2022, which helped establish Michigan's early dominance in the Big Ten Conference. Fantilli's efficiency was evident in his 1.81 points-per-game average, along with four game-winning goals, underscoring his impact as a clutch performer on the top line. Fantilli capped his freshman year by winning the Memorial Award on April 7, 2023, becoming just the third freshman in history—and the first since in 2015—to earn the honor as the top American college hockey player. He also earned All-Big Ten First Team and All-Rookie Team accolades. Following his selection third overall by the in the 2023 NHL Draft, Fantilli opted to forgo additional college eligibility, signing a three-year entry-level contract with Columbus on July 1, 2023, to begin his professional career.

Professional career

Adam Fantilli was selected third overall by the in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, following a standout season at the where he led NCAA players in scoring. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets on July 1, 2023, shortly after the draft. Fantilli made his NHL debut on October 12, 2023, coinciding with his 19th birthday, in a home game against the at . In his rookie 2023-24 season, he recorded 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points in 49 games, showcasing his speed and scoring ability as a top-line winger despite limited ice time due to injuries. His season was interrupted first by a broken sustained on December 14, 2023, during a game against the , which sidelined him for several weeks. Fantilli returned briefly but suffered a season-ending calf laceration on January 28, 2024, after being cut by a skate blade in a game against the , requiring approximately eight weeks of recovery and ultimately limiting him to fewer than 50 games. He focused on rehabilitation through the offseason, emphasizing to build resilience for his sophomore year. In the 2024-25 season, Fantilli experienced a slow start, managing just 7 goals and 15 points in his first 38 games while adjusting to a more prominent role on the second line. An injury to center in mid-season provided an opportunity, and Fantilli responded with a strong second half, elevating his production to finish with 31 goals and 54 points in 82 games—including his first NHL on January 23, 2025—his first season reaching 50 points, while demonstrating improved defensive play and physicality. The Blue Jackets did not qualify for the , but Fantilli's breakout performance solidified his status as a core offensive contributor. In the ongoing 2025–26 season, as of November 16, 2025, Fantilli has recorded 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points in 17 games while centering the top line, with no reported contract extensions or trades.

International play

Junior level

Fantilli's international junior career began at the in , , where he represented as an alternate captain. In four games, he recorded 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points, contributing to 's bronze medal win with a 5–2 victory over in the bronze medal game. Fantilli represented at the international junior level, competing in key under-18 and under-20 tournaments that highlighted his emerging talent as a dynamic forward. His selections were based on standout performances in domestic junior leagues, including a prolific season with the in the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he recorded 37 goals and 37 assists in 54 games, earning him spots on national teams. In April 2022, Fantilli was named to 's roster for the IIHF World Under-18 Championships in and , , following evaluations at Hockey 's national development camps and his strong USHL play. Serving as an alternate captain alongside forwards like Bradly Nadeau and defenseman , Fantilli contributed to a cohesive team dynamic emphasizing high-tempo forechecking and offensive transitions, playing on lines that integrated 2023 draft-eligible prospects with experienced returnees. In four games, he tallied 1 goal and 5 assists for 6 points, helping secure the gold medal with a overtime victory over the in the final; his playmaking, including key assists in semifinal and bronze-medal avoidance games, underscored his vision and physicality on the international stage. Fantilli's next major junior international appearance came at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championships in Halifax and , , where he earned a spot on the final 25-player roster after attending Hockey Canada's selection camp from December 9-12, 2022, in . The camp featured 29 invitees, including top prospects like , and Fantilli impressed evaluators with his skating and net-front presence during scrimmages, securing a forward position on a team blending high-scoring returnees from the previous year's silver medalists with draft-eligible newcomers. Team dynamics revolved around Bedard's offensive dominance, with Fantilli often deployed on secondary lines to provide secondary scoring and physical play, contributing to Canada's fast-paced, possession-based style that overcame early tournament losses. Over seven games, Fantilli recorded 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points, including a goal in the quarterfinal win over Czechia, as Canada claimed with a 3-2 overtime victory against the same opponent in the final. These tournaments significantly elevated Fantilli's draft profile for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, showcasing his ability to perform against elite international competition and adapt to high-pressure team environments. His under-18 production affirmed his status as a top-10 prospect, while his World Juniors contributions, amid a stacked Canadian lineup, reinforced scouts' views of him as a complete, 6-foot-2 forward capable of NHL impact, ultimately leading to his selection third overall by the .

Senior level

Fantilli made his debut with Canada's senior national team at the , where he appeared in 10 games, recording 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points while accumulating 29 penalty minutes and a +3 plus-minus rating. During the tournament, he scored a highlight-reel goal in Canada's 4-2 semifinal victory over , helping the team advance to the gold medal game, though he was also ejected for an illegal check to the head in a preliminary-round loss to . As a dynamic forward, Fantilli contributed to Canada's fast-paced offensive , utilizing his speed and physicality to drive play through the neutral zone and create scoring chances. Selected for the roster, Fantilli ultimately withdrew to focus on preparing for the 2024–25 NHL season following his injury, missing the event. He returned for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, where claimed the inaugural title with a 3-2 overtime win over the in the final. In the tournament, Fantilli scored the game-winning goal against one of the opponents with 11:04 remaining, showcasing his ability to deliver in key moments as part of Canada's skilled forward group. Fantilli then represented at the in and , playing 8 games without recording a point but posting a +2 plus-minus rating. advanced through the preliminary round undefeated before suffering a quarterfinal upset loss to . Throughout these senior appearances, Fantilli balanced his commitments with the by participating in off-season international events, leveraging his NHL experience as a top-line to earn selections while maintaining focus on club development during the regular season.

Personal life

Off-ice interests

Beyond his on-ice commitments, Adam Fantilli maintains a rigorous off-ice fitness regimen, particularly during the offseason, where he trains alongside teammates like to build strength and endurance through structured workouts focused on conditioning and skill maintenance. These sessions emphasize physical preparation, reflecting his dedication to away from the rink. Fantilli enjoys outdoor activities, including , which he has participated in at charity events such as the Foundation Golf Classic and the Memorial Award Golf Tournament. He has also been spotted playing recreationally with fellow NHL players like . In terms of education, Fantilli fast-tracked his high school studies to accelerate his path to collegiate hockey, attending in Meriden, , where he completed his prep education while honing his skills. Fantilli shares a particularly close relationship with his brother, Luca, who is involved in hockey; he has described Luca, who is 22 months older, as his best friend, with the siblings having lived together for 18 years and often training and competing side by side. Fantilli engages with fans through his social media presence, particularly on , where he has over 86,000 followers and shares updates on his life, travels, and personal moments.

Philanthropy and community involvement

Adam Fantilli has been actively involved in the ' Hockey Fights Cancer initiative, a program supporting the and the Canadian Cancer Society through awareness and fundraising efforts. In November 2023, during the Blue Jackets' Hockey Fights Cancer Night, Fantilli wore custom lavender Nike sneakers to honor his grandmother, Mariola Andrusky, who was battling at the time. This personal gesture highlighted his commitment to the cause, as his grandmother had played a significant role in his upbringing, often driving him to hockey practices in . Tragically, Andrusky passed away in December 2023, further underscoring Fantilli's dedication to cancer-related . Fantilli has contributed to youth hockey development by participating in community clinics and events aimed at inspiring young players. Prior to his 2023 NHL Draft selection, he joined other top prospects at the Upper Deck NHL Draft Top Prospects Youth Hockey Clinic, where participants engaged with children to promote the sport and provide skill-building sessions. As a Blue Jackets player, Fantilli has emphasized giving back to the game, including working with kids through initiatives tied to his 2023 , where he discussed inspiring the next generation via mentorship and accessibility programs. These efforts align with the Blue Jackets Foundation's focus on youth hockey access in Columbus and extend to his hometown in , fostering community engagement. In September 2025, he participated in the Foundation Golf Classic. Additionally, Fantilli has endorsed initiatives in sports by participating in in November 2024, growing a mustache to raise awareness for issues, including and mental well-being among athletes. His involvement serves as a model for young players navigating the pressures of professional hockey. Fantilli's Italian-Canadian heritage, rooted in his family's story, informs his community-oriented approach, though his centers on hockey-related and health-focused causes.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Adam Fantilli made his NHL debut with the during the 2023–24 season, appearing in 49 games as a after signing his entry-level contract following a standout collegiate career at the , where he recorded 65 points in 36 games the prior year. In his debut season, Fantilli contributed 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points, alongside a minus-21 rating and 16 penalty minutes, reflecting the challenges of adjusting to professional play on a rebuilding team. The 2024–25 season marked significant growth for Fantilli in his sophomore year, as he played a full 82 games, boosting his production to 31 goals, 23 assists, and 54 points, with an improved plus-4 and 18 penalty minutes. This breakout performance highlighted his development in scoring efficiency and defensive reliability, nearly doubling his point total from his campaign while adapting to increased ice time and top-line responsibilities. In the ongoing 2025–26 season, as of November 16, 2025, Fantilli has appeared in 17 games, recording 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points, with a minus-4 and 6 penalty minutes. Fantilli has not yet appeared in NHL , as the Blue Jackets failed to qualify in either the 2023–24 or 2024–25 seasons, finishing outside the postseason for the fifth and sixth consecutive years, respectively. He has no recorded time with the Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate, the , having remained on the NHL roster throughout his professional career to date.
SeasonTeamGPGAPts+/-PIM
2023–24CBJ49121527-2116
2024–25CBJ82312354+418
2025–26CBJ175712-46
These statistics underscore Fantilli's rapid progression, transitioning from a promising but inconsistent hampered by injuries and team struggles to a reliable offensive contributor by his second season.

International

Fantilli represented at the international level in both junior and senior competitions. At the junior level, he won bronze at the , recording 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points in 4 games. He served as an alternate captain for the 2022 , where he contributed 1 goal and 5 assists for 6 points in 4 games as earned the . In the 2023 , Fantilli recorded 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points in 7 games, helping secure the gold medal in a tournament-final victory over Czechia. At the senior level, Fantilli debuted for Team at the , posting 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points in 10 games en route to a win against in the final. He was named to the roster but withdrew to prepare for the 2024–25 NHL season. In , Fantilli played 8 games at the IIHF World Championship without recording a point (0 goals, 0 assists), as was eliminated in the quarterfinals by and finished without a . As of November 2025, Fantilli has appeared in 33 games for internationally, accumulating 6 goals and 11 assists for 17 points.
YearTournamentGPGAPtsPIMTeam Result
Junior
202042136Bronze
2022U1841560Silver
2023WJC72352
Senior
2023WC1012329
2025WC80000Quarterfinals

Awards and honors

Junior and collegiate awards

During his time with the in the United States Hockey League (USHL), Fantilli earned several accolades. In the 2020–21 season, he contributed to the team's Clark Cup championship victory and was named the Clark Cup Playoffs MVP after recording nine points (eight goals, one assist) in eight games. He was also selected to the USHL All-Rookie Second Team for his performance of 36 points in 49 regular-season games. In 2021–22, Fantilli was named to the USHL following a league-leading 37 goals and 74 points in 54 games. At the in the 2022–23 season, Fantilli's freshman campaign was marked by individual excellence, culminating in the Memorial Award as the top player in men's ; he became the third freshman ever to win the honor. He led the nation in scoring with 65 points (30 goals, 35 assists) in 36 games, earning the Tim Taylor National Rookie of the Year Award, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, All-Big Ten First Team honors, and AHCA Division I Men's First Team All-American selection. On the international junior stage, Fantilli represented at the 2022 IIHF World Under-18 Championship as alternate , tallying six points (three goals, three assists) in four games en route to a . The following year, at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, he recorded five points (two goals, three assists) in seven games to help secure the gold medal, though specific MVP or All-Star recognition at these tournaments was not awarded to him. Fantilli was invited to participate in the 2022 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, highlighting his status as a premier North American junior talent, though he continued his development in the USHL.

Professional and international awards

Shortly after his collegiate season, Fantilli joined Canada's senior team for the , becoming one of the youngest players in the tournament at age 18. He recorded one goal and two assists in 10 games, including the game-winning goal in a 4–2 semifinal win over , en route to a victory over in the final. This achievement made him the second Canadian, after , to win gold at both the World Juniors and in the same calendar year. For his contributions across both tournaments, Fantilli was nominated for the inaugural IIHF Male Player of the Year award, recognizing his historic impact as an 18-year-old. In the NHL, as of November 2025, Fantilli has not received major individual awards despite a strong start to his professional career, including 31 goals in the 2024–25 season with the . He was a candidate as a in 2023–24 but finished outside the top three, with winning unanimously. Fantilli returned to the Canadian senior team for the , recording 1 goal and 5 assists in 4 games, though did not medal and no individual honors were awarded to him.

References

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