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Adam Fantilli
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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
[edit]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]
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
[edit]| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ice hockey | ||
| Representing | ||
| World Championships | ||
| 2023 Finland/Latvia | ||
| World Junior Championships | ||
| 2023 Canada | ||
| Winter Youth Olympics | ||
| 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
[edit]Regular season and playoffs
[edit]| 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
[edit]| Year | Team | Event | Result | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Canada | U18 | 5th | 4 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2023 | Canada | WJC | 7 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 4 | ||
| 2023 | Canada | WC | 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]| Award | Year | |
|---|---|---|
| College | ||
| Big Ten Freshman of the Year | 2023 | [57] |
| All-Big Ten First Team | 2023 | |
| All-Big Ten Freshman Team | 2023 | |
| Big Ten All-Tournament Team | 2023 | [58] |
| Big Ten Tournament MVP | 2023 | |
| Tim Taylor Award | 2023 | [59] |
| Hobey Baker Award | 2023 | |
| AHCA West First Team All-American | 2023 | |
References
[edit]- ^ Kennedy, Ian (October 24, 2022). "Can Adam Fantilli make a legit case to go No. 1 over Bedard in the 2023 NHL draft?". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ Tondora, John (September 28, 2022). "Amid high expectations, Adam Fantilli focuses on the team". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ "Saginaw Spirit make 14 picks in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection Draft". saginawspirit.com. April 4, 2020. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ Bernreuter, Hugh (April 4, 2020). "Saginaw Spirit gamble, take No. 1 prospect Adam Fantilli in OHL draft". MLive.com. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ Bernreuter, Hugh (September 13, 2021). "Saginaw Spirit trade OHL rights to University of Michigan commit Adam Fantilli". MLive.com. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ "TRADE: Spirit acquire draft picks from Battalion for rights to Adam Fantilli". saginawspirit.com. September 13, 2021. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ "Fantilli Brothers Commit to Steel". USHL.com. March 25, 2020. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ "USHL Announces All-Rookie Teams for 2020-21 Season". USHL.com. June 26, 2021. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ "Chicago Steel Win Clark Cup Championship". USHL.com. May 22, 2021. Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ a b "Adam Fantilli Bio". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ Peters, Chris (October 21, 2022). "2023 NHL Draft: Adam Fantilli Is No Consolation Prize". flohockey.tv. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ Fantilli, Adam (October 21, 2022). "2023 NHL Draft Diary: Adam Fantilli". NHL.com. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ "Michigan Hockey Lands Top 2023 NHL Draft prospect Adam Fantilli". The Detroit News. August 25, 2021. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ McNeil, Kristy (February 4, 2022). "Michigan Ice Hockey Announces 11-Member Signing Class". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ McNeil, Kristy (October 7, 2022). "Michigan Offense Overpowers Lindenwood in Season-Opening Win". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ McNeil, Kristy (October 8, 2022). "Michigan Secures Season-Opening Sweep of Lindenwood". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ McNeil, Kristy (October 21, 2022). "Fantilli Hat Trick Leads Michigan to Series-Opening Win Over Lake Superior State". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ Kingsley, Noah (October 26, 2022). "Adam Fantilli is unfazed by the hype". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ McNeil, Kristy (October 22, 2022). "Fantilli's Four-Point Night Seals Michigan Win, Sweep of Lake Superior State". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ "Michigan, Wisconsin and Michigan State Earn Hockey Three Stars Awards". BigTen.org. October 25, 2022. Archived from the original on October 25, 2022. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ McNeil, Kristy (October 24, 2022). "Awards and Honors: Fantilli Named Big Ten First Star of the Week". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ "Fantilli and Serdachny Highlight First HCA Monthly Honors". hockeycommissioners.com. November 2, 2022. Retrieved November 3, 2022.
- ^ "Michigan's Fantilli, St. Cloud State's Basse named first HCA men's monthly award winners to kick off 2022-23 season". USCHO.com. November 2, 2022. Retrieved November 3, 2022.
- ^ "Zumwinkle, Dalton and Fantilli Top HCA Monthly Honorees". hockeycommissioners.com. February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
- ^ McNeil, Kristy (February 24, 2023). "Fantilli Scores Late to Earn Point for Michigan in Tie vs. Notre Dame". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ McNeil, Kristy (March 14, 2023). "Fantilli Named Big Ten Freshman of the Year". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
- ^ McNeil, Kristy (March 11, 2023). "Michigan Advances to Big Ten Championship with Win Over OSU". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
- ^ McNeil, Kristy (March 18, 2023). "Mich-AGAIN! U-M Wins Second-Straight Big Ten Tournament Title". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
- ^ McNeil, Kristy (April 7, 2023). "Hughes, Fantilli Named First Team All-Americans; Fantilli Rookie of the Year". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
- ^ McNeil, Kristy (April 7, 2023). "Michigan's Fantilli Wins Hobey Baker Award". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
- ^ Murphy, Bryan (April 7, 2023). "Who won the Hobey Baker Award 2023? Michigan's Adam Fantilli given honor as NCAA hockey's top player". The Sporting News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
- ^ "Blue Jackets sign Adam Fantilli to three-year entry level contract". NHL.com. July 1, 2023. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
- ^ Hedger, Brian (July 1, 2023). "Columbus Blue Jackets wade into free agency by signing top prospect Adam Fantilli". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
- ^ "Blue Jackets pay tribute to Adam Fantilli with emotional video". ESPN.com. October 12, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
- ^ "Adam Fantilli scores first NHL goal in Blue Jackets overtime win over Wild". NBC4 WCMH-TV. October 22, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
- ^ Merz, Craig (March 31, 2024). "Fantilli may not play again this season for Blue Jackets". NHL.com. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
- ^ a b c Traikos, Michael (May 2, 2024). "Fantilli Joins Bedard on Team Canada at the World Championship: 'I Have to Get My Game Going'". The Hockey News. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
- ^ McCarthy, Dave (January 22, 2025). "Fantilli scores 1st hat trick, Blue Jackets defeat Maple Leafs". NHL.com. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ Portzline, Aaron (January 23, 2025). "Blue Jackets' Adam Fantilli scores first career hat trick in hometown: 'It's special'". The Athletic. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ Kulesa, Anna (January 23, 2025). "Fantilli's mom throws 1st hat on ice after forward scores hat trick in hometown". NHL.com. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ Heroux, Devin (January 17, 2020). "Team Canada eyes gold in boys hockey at Youth Olympics in Switzerland". CBC Sports. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ Malloy, Jason (December 20, 2019). "Gordie Dwyer to coach Team Canada in hockey at Winter Youth Olympic Games". SaltWire Network. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ Jiwani, Rory (January 22, 2021). "Where are Matvei Michkov, Isaac Howard, Jimmy Snuggerud and the stars of Lausanne 2020 now?". Olympic Channel. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ McNeil, Kristy (April 21, 2022). "Six Incoming Wolverines to Compete at U18 World Championships". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ Kennedy, Ryan (April 19, 2022). "Canada's U-18 World Championship Team: Who to Watch". The Hockey News. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ Kimelman, Adam (December 12, 2022). "2023 World Junior Championship rosters". NHL.com. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
- ^ McNeil, Kristy (January 2, 2023). "Wolverines at the 2023 World Junior Championship: Fantilli and Canada Win Gold; USA Takes Bronze". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
- ^ "Fantilli, Flames trio among initial Team Canada roster at World Championship". TSN. May 5, 2023. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
- ^ McNeil, Kristy (May 5, 2023). "Fantilli Named to Hockey Canada World Championship Roster". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
- ^ "Fantilli leads Canada to world hockey gold-medal game with 1st goal of tourney". CBC Sports. May 27, 2023. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
- ^ Podnieks, Andrew (May 27, 2023). "Fantilli's gem ends Latvia's golden dreams". IIHF.com. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
- ^ "Blais scores 2 as Canada downs Germany 5-2 for record 28th title at hockey worlds". The Washington Post. May 28, 2023. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
- ^ McNeil, Kristy (June 7, 2023). "Fantilli Wins IIHF Gold, Nominated for Male Player of the Year". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ "Bedard, Celebrini highlight Canada's roster at the World Championship". TSN. May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
- ^ DeRosa, Michael (May 7, 2024). "Looking at Team Canada's Decision to Swap Celebrini and Fantilli for Dubois, Hagel and Paul". The Hockey News. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- ^ Earegood, Connor (June 28, 2023). "Adam Fantilli driven by family, heritage". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
- ^ "Big Ten Hockey Postseason Honors Announced". BigTen.org. Big Ten Conference. March 14, 2023. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
- ^ "2023 Big Ten Hockey Tournament All-Tournament Team" (PDF). BigTen.org. Big Ten Conference. March 18, 2023. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 19, 2023. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
- ^ "Dual winner Adam Fantilli headlines national award winners". collegehockeyinc.org. April 7, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
External links
[edit]- Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or Hockey-Reference.com, or The Internet Hockey Database
Adam Fantilli
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family and background
Adam Fantilli was born on October 12, 2004, in Nobleton, Ontario, Canada.[2] He is the son of Giuliano Fantilli, who serves as vice president of Villa Kitchens and Fine Cabinetry, and Julia Fantilli.[14][15] 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.[16] This background has positioned him as potentially eligible to represent Italy 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 ice hockey, playing as a defenseman at the University of Michigan alongside Adam during their collegiate years.[11] Raised in the small community of Nobleton, Ontario, just north of Toronto, Fantilli grew up in a supportive household that emphasized family values and athletic development.[14][15] His parents actively encouraged their sons' involvement in sports, fostering an environment that prioritized resilience and cultural connection through family trips to Italy and shared experiences tied to their immigrant ancestry.[17] 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 Nobleton, Ontario, 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.[15][17] 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.[17] 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 Greater Toronto Hockey League (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 lacrosse by age 14, recognizing his emerging talent.[18][19][15]Playing career
Youth and junior hockey
Fantilli honed his skills in minor hockey in the Greater Toronto area before advancing to more competitive youth leagues.[15] In the Greater Toronto Hockey League (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.[20] Mid-way through the 2019–20 season, Fantilli relocated to the United States to join Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, New Hampshire, 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.[21] On March 25, 2020, Fantilli signed a tender agreement with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL), committing to the junior league ahead of the 2020–21 season. In his debut USHL year, limited by the COVID-19 pandemic, 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.[22][23][24] 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 center.[25][7] 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.[26][27]Collegiate career
In August 2021, Fantilli verbally committed to join the University of Michigan Wolverines for the 2022–23 NCAA season as a freshman, following two standout years in the United States Hockey League (USHL).[28] He arrived in Ann Arbor as one of the top prospects for the 2023 NHL Draft, bringing his dynamic scoring ability to a stacked Michigan roster that included fellow high-end talents like Luke Hughes and Rutger McGroarty.[29] 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.[2] 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.[30] 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.[31] 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.[32] Fantilli capped his freshman year by winning the Hobey Baker Memorial Award on April 7, 2023, becoming just the third freshman in history—and the first since Jack Eichel in 2015—to earn the honor as the top American college hockey player.[32] He also earned All-Big Ten First Team and All-Rookie Team accolades.[18] Following his selection third overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets 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.[33]Professional career
Adam Fantilli was selected third overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, following a standout freshman season at the University of Michigan where he led NCAA players in scoring.[2] He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets on July 1, 2023, shortly after the draft.[2] Fantilli made his NHL debut on October 12, 2023, coinciding with his 19th birthday, in a home game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Nationwide Arena.[34] 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.[2] His season was interrupted first by a broken clavicle sustained on December 14, 2023, during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which sidelined him for several weeks.[35] 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 Seattle Kraken, requiring approximately eight weeks of recovery and ultimately limiting him to fewer than 50 games. He focused on rehabilitation through the offseason, emphasizing strength training to build resilience for his sophomore year.[36] 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.[37] An injury to center Sean Monahan 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 hat trick on January 23, 2025—his first season reaching 50 points, while demonstrating improved defensive play and physicality.[38][9] The Blue Jackets did not qualify for the playoffs, 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.[10][39]International play
Junior level
Fantilli's international junior career began at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he represented Canada as an alternate captain. In four games, he recorded 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points, contributing to Canada's bronze medal win with a 5–2 victory over Finland in the bronze medal game.[40] Fantilli represented Canada 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 Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he recorded 37 goals and 37 assists in 54 games, earning him spots on national teams.[41] In April 2022, Fantilli was named to Canada's roster for the IIHF World Under-18 Championships in Landshut and Kaufbeuren, Germany, following evaluations at Hockey Canada's national development camps and his strong USHL play. Serving as an alternate captain alongside forwards like Bradly Nadeau and defenseman Oliver Bonk, 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 Canada secure the gold medal with a 5-4 overtime victory over the United States in the final; his playmaking, including key assists in semifinal and bronze-medal avoidance games, underscored his vision and physicality on the international stage.[11] Fantilli's next major junior international appearance came at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championships in Halifax and Moncton, New Brunswick, where he earned a spot on the final 25-player roster after attending Hockey Canada's selection camp from December 9-12, 2022, in Moncton.[42] The camp featured 29 invitees, including top prospects like Connor Bedard, 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 gold with a 3-2 overtime victory against the same opponent in the final.[43] 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 Columbus Blue Jackets.[44][45]Senior level
Fantilli made his debut with Canada's senior national team at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, 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.[18] During the tournament, he scored a highlight-reel goal in Canada's 4-2 semifinal victory over Latvia, 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 Norway.[46] As a dynamic forward, Fantilli contributed to Canada's fast-paced offensive strategy, utilizing his speed and physicality to drive play through the neutral zone and create scoring chances. Selected for the 2024 IIHF World Championship roster, Fantilli ultimately withdrew to focus on preparing for the 2024–25 NHL season following his injury, missing the event.[47] He returned for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, where Canada claimed the inaugural title with a 3-2 overtime win over the United States in the final.[48] 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.[48] Fantilli then represented Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Championship in Sweden and Denmark, playing 8 games without recording a point but posting a +2 plus-minus rating.[18] Canada advanced through the preliminary round undefeated before suffering a quarterfinal upset loss to Denmark.[49] Throughout these senior appearances, Fantilli balanced his commitments with the Columbus Blue Jackets by participating in off-season international events, leveraging his NHL experience as a top-line center to earn selections while maintaining focus on club development during the regular season.[50]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 Zach Werenski to build strength and endurance through structured workouts focused on conditioning and skill maintenance.[51] These sessions emphasize physical preparation, reflecting his dedication to personal development away from the rink. Fantilli enjoys outdoor activities, including golf, which he has participated in at charity events such as the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation Golf Classic and the Hobey Baker Memorial Award Golf Tournament.[52][53] He has also been spotted playing golf recreationally with fellow NHL players like Cole Caufield.[54] In terms of education, Fantilli fast-tracked his high school studies to accelerate his path to collegiate hockey, attending Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, New Hampshire, where he completed his prep school education while honing his skills.[55][56] 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.[57][58] Fantilli engages with fans through his social media presence, particularly on Instagram, where he has over 86,000 followers and shares updates on his life, travels, and personal moments.[59]Philanthropy and community involvement
Adam Fantilli has been actively involved in the Columbus Blue Jackets' Hockey Fights Cancer initiative, a program supporting the American Cancer Society 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 pancreatic cancer 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 Nobleton, Ontario. Tragically, Andrusky passed away in December 2023, further underscoring Fantilli's dedication to cancer-related philanthropy.[60][61] 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 Hobey Baker Award, 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 Ontario, fostering community engagement. In September 2025, he participated in the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation Golf Classic.[62][63][64] Additionally, Fantilli has endorsed mental health initiatives in sports by participating in Movember in November 2024, growing a mustache to raise awareness for men's health issues, including suicide prevention and mental well-being among athletes. His involvement serves as a model for young players navigating the pressures of professional hockey.[65] Fantilli's Italian-Canadian heritage, rooted in his family's immigration story, informs his community-oriented approach, though his philanthropy centers on hockey-related and health-focused causes.[17]Career statistics
Regular season and playoffs
Adam Fantilli made his NHL debut with the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2023–24 season, appearing in 49 games as a rookie after signing his entry-level contract following a standout collegiate career at the University of Michigan, where he recorded 65 points in 36 games the prior year.[2] In his debut season, Fantilli contributed 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points, alongside a minus-21 plus/minus rating and 16 penalty minutes, reflecting the challenges of adjusting to professional play on a rebuilding team.[10] 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 plus/minus and 18 penalty minutes.[10] This breakout performance highlighted his development in scoring efficiency and defensive reliability, nearly doubling his point total from his rookie campaign while adapting to increased ice time and top-line responsibilities.[66] 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 plus/minus and 6 penalty minutes.[10] Fantilli has not yet appeared in NHL playoffs, 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.[67] He has no recorded time with the Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters, having remained on the NHL roster throughout his professional career to date.[18]| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | CBJ | 49 | 12 | 15 | 27 | -21 | 16 |
| 2024–25 | CBJ | 82 | 31 | 23 | 54 | +4 | 18 |
| 2025–26 | CBJ | 17 | 5 | 7 | 12 | -4 | 6 |
International
Fantilli represented Canada at the international level in both junior and senior competitions. At the junior level, he won bronze at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games, recording 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points in 4 games. He served as an alternate captain for the 2022 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, where he contributed 1 goal and 5 assists for 6 points in 4 games as Canada earned the silver medal.[68] In the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, Fantilli recorded 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points in 7 games, helping Canada secure the gold medal in a tournament-final shootout victory over Czechia. At the senior level, Fantilli debuted for Team Canada at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, posting 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points in 10 games en route to a gold medal win against Latvia in the final.[69] He was named to the 2024 IIHF World Championship roster but withdrew to prepare for the 2024–25 NHL season. In 2025, Fantilli played 8 games at the IIHF World Championship without recording a point (0 goals, 0 assists), as Canada was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Denmark and finished without a medal.[70] As of November 2025, Fantilli has appeared in 33 games for Canada internationally, accumulating 6 goals and 11 assists for 17 points.[71]| Year | Tournament | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Team Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | |||||||
| 2020 | Youth Olympic Games | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 | Bronze |
| 2022 | U18 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 0 | Silver |
| 2023 | WJC | 7 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 2 | Gold |
| Senior | |||||||
| 2023 | WC | 10 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 29 | Gold |
| 2025 | WC | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Quarterfinals |
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