Now, Columbus sports fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief since the wait is over. Center Adam Fantilli has signed a huge six-year contract extension worth $82.5 million. The value is an average of $13.75 million per year, making the 21-year-old superstar the highest-paid player in Blue Jackets history. Both teams stretched out the finish of negotiations just a bit into training camp, and both were ready and waiting for opening night.
To put this contract into perspective, Fantilli’s new paycheck leapfrogs star defenseman Zach Werenski to top the team’s salary hierarchy. Around the league, this deal will rank him in the top tier of talent and will slide him into the top five by average annual value in the entire NHL. In a franchise that’s had a history of a problem with retaining superstar players, it’s quite a message that the Bucks are sending to the league about their direction with the signing of a true centerpiece player for the 2031-32 season.
Based on his numbers, it’s no wonder general manager Don Waddell was not willing to hold back from his wallet. Fantilli has ended an outstanding season after scoring 24 goals in 82 games to finish with a career-high 59 points. Outside of the box score numbers, he has a unique combination of explosive speed, elite skill, and physical power that will make him an opponent’s nightmare for defenders day in and day out.
The absence from the first few days of camp was difficult for all of us, but Fantilli explained that it was the most difficult aspect. Head coach Rick Bowness ensured the young star stayed dialed in by sending him practice film daily so he would not fall behind on team systems. Now that the contract ink is dry, Fantilli is eager to jump right into practice alongside his teammates and hit the ground running.
The outlook is now clear and points directly towards the Buffalo Sabres at home when the regular season starts. Fantilli has been close to the playoffs in recent years and has said he has a fire to change it up and get playoff hockey back to the city. The Blue Jackets have a lot to celebrate: their franchise cornerstone is now in place and poised to take the lead for years to come.
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