Adam Fantilli Signs Entry-Level Contract with the Jackets

COLUMBUS – The Columbus Blue Jackets signed center Adam Fantilli to a three-year entry-level contract. Fantilli, who was drafted third overall by the Jackets in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, will make $855k a year on top of a $95k signing bonus. If sent to the minors, Fantilli will make $82.5k.

As a freshman at the University of Michigan, Fantilli registered 65 points, 10 power-play goals, 145 shots on goal, and a +31 plus/minutes rating. Fantilli’s success on the ice led him to finish the season as just the third freshman in NCAA history to win the Hobey Baker Award. The awards didn’t stop there. Fantilli was also named the NCAA Top Collegiate Rookie and the Big 10 Freshman of the Year. As well as, being named to the NCAA First All-American Team, the First-Team All-Big 10, and the Big 10 All-Freshman Team.

Signing an ELC means Fantilli’s collegiate career is over and he will not return to Michigan for the 2023-24 season.

Other Jackets 2023 Draft Picks

Gavin Brindley

The Jackets scooped up another University of Michigan center in the second round of the draft by the name of Gavin Brindley. During his freshman season in 2022-23, Brindley notched 38 points, 22 penalty minutes, and had a solid +21 plus/minus rating over the course of 41 games. His consistency and ability to draw up plays helped the team win the Big 10 championship. 

With Fantilli signing his ELC with the Jackets, Brindley will likely step in to help Michigan fill Fantilli’s shoes. 

William Whitelaw

With the 66th overall pick, the Jackets selected William Whitelaw from the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL. The right-wing led the Phantoms with 36 goals and 61 points during the regular season and amassed nine points over nine playoff games. With his help, the Phantoms won the 2023 Clark Cup. 

Whitelaw will play for the University of Wisconsin for the 2023-24 season. 

Andrew Strathmann

Phantoms defender Andrew Strathmann was drafted by the Jackets in the fourth round, 98th overall.  The two-way defender finished the 2022-23 season tied third among all USHL defensemen with 35 assists. 

Strathmann will return to the Phantoms for the 2023-24 season.

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Luca Pinelli

Luca Pinelli was also drafted in the fourth round by the Jackets in this year’s draft. The forward from the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League finished second on the team with 29 goals and 63 points. 

Pinelli will return to Ottawa for the 2023-24 season.

Other Jackets Stories

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• Mike Babcock Resigns As Head Coach of Columbus Blue Jackets
• Mike Babcock is the CM Punk of NHL Head Coaches
• Stack The Pucks: Columbus Blue Jackets Preview
• Grading NHL Free Agent Summer – Metropolitan Division Pt I

Melvin Strahl

With the 156th overall pick, the Jackets selected goaltender Melvin Strahl from MoDo Hockey J20 of Sweden’s junior hockey league. In 23 appearances this season, Strahl recorded a 10-12-0 record with a 3.35 goals-against average and a .883 save percentage. 

Strahl will likely play with MoDo Hockey J20 for the 2023-24 season. 

Oiva Keskinen

Drafted by the Jackets in the seventh round, Oiva Keskinen comes from Tappara U20 of Finland’s junior hockey league. Over the course of 38 games, Keskinen posted a stat line of 20-21-41 in 2022-23. At the end of the season, he was named to the league’s Second All-Star Team.

Keskinen is set to return to Tappara U20 for the 2023-24 season. 

Tyler Peddle

The Jackets traded their 2024 seventh-round pick to the Vegas Golden Knights for their 2023 seventh-round pick. Left-wing Tyler Peddle was the last player at the 2023 draft to have his name called by a team. He was also the only player from Nova Scotia to be drafted this year. In 64 games with the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL, Peddle notched 24 goals and 17 assists. He finished the 2022-23 season second on the team in goals and third in points.

Peddle will return to Drummondville for the 2023-24 season.