Adam Fantilli

June 2023 – Fantilli has been selected 3rd overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2023 NHL Draft. Curtis Rines

April 2023 – Fantilli is not quite the player of Bedard’s caliber, but he has been our #2 for the entire season (though Matvei Michkov may make it a conversation on our final board in June). His ability to step up when it matters most, notching 7 goals and 4 assists in the Big Ten playoffs, has cemented him as a truly game-breaking prospect. He’s a constant threat due to his ability to relentlessly pursue on the forecheck, make a thunderous hit or steal the puck with his highly intelligent attacks. With the puck, he’s dangerous as he’s big with speed and has twitchy hands, but he’s not afraid to take it outside and drive the net. He’s an elite finisher and has great vision and playmaking ability. He’s usually pretty solid in the faceoff dot too and has upside in all areas. Evan Pace

September 2022 – Adam Fantilli is one of the most unique prospects in recent draft memory. After an outstanding year in the USHL with the Chicago Steel where he registered 37 goals and 37 assists in 54 games, he is heading to the University of Michigan for his draft year and will be one of the youngest players in college hockey. However, Fantilli plays a mature, physical game in addition to his elite-level skillset, so he won’t look too out of place once the season gets going.

The 6-3 centerman plays a very well-rounded game, always fighting to get possession of the puck in the defensive zone and using his intelligence to anticipate the play well. He’s a powerful yet quick skater with great edges and four-way mobility. With his elite shot, he’s able to beat goalies from range, but he can also find the tape of his teammates just as well. He’s got exceptional hands as well, being able to handle in-tight and through traffic. Simply put, Fantilli is a dangerous offensive threat with the puck and without it, as he’s able to read the defense and attack areas of weakness. This year in the NCAA, he might not have the same dominance as he did in juniors, but in time, he’ll find a way to make a significant impact this season. Evan Pace