Blue Jackets sign third overall pick Adam Fantilli to entry-level deal

Sportsnet Staff @SportsnetJuly 01, 2023 - 4:23pm

Adam Fantilli puts on a Columbus Blue Jackets jersey after being picked by the team during the first round of the NHL hockey draft Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (George Walker IV/AP Photo)

Three days after drafting him third overall, the Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward Adam Fantilli to his entry-level deal. The team announced the contract Saturday morning.

The 18-year-old is coming off a sensational freshman year at the University of Michigan that saw him tally 30 goals and 65 points in 36 games and earn the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's top male player of 2022-23.

Fantilli was widely projected to be selected by the Anaheim Ducks with the second overall pick behind consensus No. 1 Connor Bedard, but landed in Columbus after Ducks GM threw a slight curveball to take Leo Carlsson, instead.

Saturday has been a big day for the franchise already, having just hours before officially introduced new head coach Mike Babcock.

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