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NASHVILLE-- We got our guy. After months of suffering through a season where everything that could go wrong went wrong, the Jackets have finally secured their prize. The 5th line has sold out Nationwide Arena for eight out of the last nine home games, most of which the team sat dead last in the entire National Hockey League, so getting the third overall pick brought a sense of relief over the diehard fans who had to sit through all 57 losses of last season. Adam Fantilli had his name called at approximately 7:32 P.M. last night by the Blue Jackets, and to say this city is excited about the talent coming to Columbus is a pure understatement. The roof was blown off of Pins at Easton, the site of the official draft party. There has not been a player like Fantilli drafted to Columbus since Rick Nash, and the fans know that. Nash spent nearly a decade in the Union Blue, and he still holds numerous franchise records, he also currently has his number 61 in the rafters at Nationwide.
Player Profile/Next Steps
Adam Fantilli recently completed a dominant season with that team up north, earning top scorer in the NCAA, most points, rookie of the year, and most notably the Hobey Baker award for top player in college hockey, joining Paul Kariya and Jack Eichel as the only freshman to win the prestigious trophy. As the youngest player in the NCAA, he notched 30-35-65 in 36 games played.
Jarmo has expressed his opinion on what he wants the next step to be for Adam, and that is for him to play next season in Columbus. He would join Michigan alumni Zach Werenski, Nick Blankenburg, and Kent Johnson in the Ohio Capital, if he so chooses to turn pro this year. His 6'2, 194 lbs frame is more than NHL ready, and he is almost guaranteed to make an instant impact.
Fantilli is likely to take part in the development camp, open to the public July 2-5th at OhioHealth Chiller North, 8144 Highland Drive, Lewis Center 43035. You can find the official times for the camp here.
-Ian Phillips for Yamo Media
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