Jackets sign F Adam Fantilli to 6-year, $82.5M extension

The Columbus Blue Jackets signed restricted free-agent forward Adam Fantilli to a six-year, $82.5 million extension through the 2031-32 season.

The contract's $13.75 million average annual value is the largest in franchise history.

"Adam Fantilli has all of the tools you look for in a player -- speed, size, skill -- along with a competitive drive to succeed," general manager Don Waddell said Thursday. "He is one of the most exciting young players in the NHL and a big part of what we are building in Columbus, so this is a very exciting day for our organization and our fans."

Fantilli, 21, has recorded 140 points (67 goals, 73 assists) in 213 career games since the Blue Jackets drafted him with the No. 3 overall pick in 2023. He has played all 82 games in each of the past two seasons.

The projected No. 1 center for Columbus, Fantilli had been absent from training camp during the contract standoff.

"I had my bags packed, ready to go, and I got a call from my agent that it could get wrapped up," Fantilli said, per the Columbus Dispatch. "The second I got a call this morning, I was in the car and on my way down with my mom, and obviously I'm just super excited and super grateful. I couldn't be happier to be here."

The Blue Jackets open the regular season next Thursday at home against the Buffalo Sabres.