Adam Fantilli and Blue Jackets Finally Reach Massive Six-Year Deal

The wait is officially over in Columbus.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed star center Adam Fantilli to a six-year, $82.5 million contract, carrying an average annual value of $13.75 million and keeping him in Columbus through the 2031-32 season. The agreement ends a contract standoff that caused the 21-year-old restricted free agent to miss the beginning of training camp. (NHL)

Fantilli is coming off the best season of his young career, recording 24 goals and 35 assists for 59 points in 82 games. Since Columbus selected him third overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Fantilli has accumulated 67 goals and 140 points through 213 NHL games. (NHL)

The new contract makes Fantilli the highest-paid player in Blue Jackets history by average annual value, a major commitment that shows just how important Columbus believes he is to the franchise’s future. (Sportsnet.ca)

General manager Don Waddell called Fantilli a major part of what the organization is building, praising his combination of speed, size, skill and competitiveness. With the negotiations finally behind them, Columbus can now turn its attention back to hockey — with its young No. 1 center locked up for the long term.

For Fantilli, the deal also puts an end to questions surrounding his future in Columbus. After a tense offseason and missed time at training camp, both sides have made a significant commitment to moving forward together.