Third Overall Pick Fantilli Signs with Columbus Blue Jackets
7/1/2023 11:46:00 AM | Ice Hockey
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- University of Michigan hockey freshman center and Hobey Baker Award winner Adam Fantilli has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, forgoing the remainder of his NCAA eligibility, the organization announced on Saturday (July 1).
The Blue Jackets selected Fantilli with the third overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft on Wednesday (June 28). He became the fourth Wolverine to be drafted by Columbus (Kevin Lynch 2009, Zach Werenski 2015, Kent Johnson 2021) and was later joined in the next round by teammate Gavin Brindley to make it five draft picks. The Blue Jackets' current roster includes alternate captain Zach Werenski, Kent Johnson and Nick Blankenburg.
Just the third freshman in history to win the Hobey Baker Award, Fantilli led the nation in scoring as he averaged 1.81 points per game. A first-team All-American and Tim Taylor National Rookie of the Year, he finished the season with 30 goals and 35 assists in 36 games and was a +31. After earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year and first-team all-conference honors, Fantilli went on to set the Big Ten tournament record for most goals (seven) and most points (11) in a single tournament, which earned him the title of B1G Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
Michigan All-Time Roster with Columbus
Nick Blankenburg, 2022-present
Shawn Hunwick, 2012
Jack Johnson, 2012-18
Kent Johnson, 2022-present
Chad Kolarik, 2010
Tyler Motte, 2018
Blake Sloan, 2001-02
Zach Weresnki, 2017-present
