Blue Jackets Sign Adam Fantilli to Entry-Level Contract

Adam Fantilli is the first 2023 NHL draft prospect to sign their entry-level contract, agreeing to terms with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Adam Fantilli is turning pro, agreeing to terms with the Columbus Blue Jackets on an entry-level contract on Saturday.

The Blue Jackets drafted Fantilli third overall in the 2023 NHL draft on Wednesday.

Fantilli, 18, became the third NCAA freshman ever to win the Hobey Baker Award after registering 30 goals and 35 assists for 65 points with the University of Michigan. Only Paul Kariya and Jack Eichel have won the Hobey Baker as a freshman before Fantilli.

The Nobleton, Ont., native had a golden season in international hockey as well, becoming a rare player to win world juniors gold and World Championship gold in the same year.

Fantilli is the first 2023 NHL draftee to sign an entry-level deal, although we'll surely see No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard sign ahead of next season as well.

The Jackets now have about $4.7 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia.