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Adam Fantilli

Blue Jackets Sign Adam Fantilli

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Today is the first day that teams can sign their newly-drafted players to NHL contracts.  The Blue Jackets aren’t wasting any time with their top pick, as they’ve signed Adam Fantilli to a three-year, entry-level contract.  PuckPedia reports (Twitter link) that the deal carries an AAV of $4.15MM with bonuses, breaking down as follows:

2023-24: $855K salary, $95K signing bonus, $82.5K AHL salary, $1MM in ’A’ bonuses, $2.2MM in ’B’ bonuses
2024-25: $855K salary, $95K signing bonus, $82.5K AHL salary, $1MM in ’A’ bonuses, $2.2MM in ’B’ bonuses
2025-26: $855K salary, $95K signing bonus, $82.5K AHL salary, $1MM in ’A’ bonuses, $2.2MM in ’B’ bonuses

Fantilli was widely expected to be off the board by the time Columbus picked with the third-overall selection.  However, Anaheim, who picked second, opted to not take Fantilli and instead selected Leo Carlsson.

The 18-year-old had a dominant year with Michigan.  He led the NCAA in scoring this season with 30 goals and 35 assists in 36 games, collecting at least a point in all but three of his appearances.  That helped him be named National Rookie of the Year along with the Hobey Baker Award for the best player in college hockey.

Fantilli also had a good showing internationally last season.  He picked up five points in seven contests at the World Juniors and also saw action at the World Championship as one of only five draft-eligible players participating; Fantilli had a goal and two assists in ten contests at that event.

Last month, Fantilli expressed an openness to remaining with the Wolverines for another season but after Columbus picked him, GM Jarmo Kekalainen indicated that he’d like to see Fantilli turn pro.  He’s clearly getting his wish.

While it will take some time for him to live up to his potential, the Blue Jackets believe that Fantilli has a chance to become the legitimate top-line center that they have been seeking for quite some time now.  If that happens, Columbus will finally have that particular much-needed franchise pillar in place.

Blue Jackets Officially Name Mike Babcock As Their Head Coach

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The final NHL head coaching vacancy has officially been filled.  Prior to the opening of free agency today, the Blue Jackets announced that they have named Mike Babcock as their new head coach, signing him to a two-year deal.  Earlier this week, Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic reported (subscription link) that the contract will pay Babcock $4MM per season.  GM Jarmo Kekalainen released the following statement:

Our goal at the outset of this process was to find a coach to give our players the best chance to succeed through structure, discipline and experience as we continue to build a team that can compete for a Stanley Cup championship. After a very thorough and lengthy process we are pleased to welcome Mike Babcock as the next head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

It was reported last month that Babcock was set to take over as the new bench boss for Columbus.  However, since he was still under contract with Toronto until yesterday, the team waited until today to make the hire to ensure that the Maple Leafs alone were the only team paying out the remainder of his record-breaking eight-year, $50MM contract.

Babcock hasn’t been behind an NHL bench for a while as he last coached during the 2019-20 campaign before being let go by Toronto after an underwhelming 9-10-4 start to their season.  Since then, his coaching experience has been limited to one season as a volunteer coach at the University of Saskatchewan.  However, the Blue Jackets believe that he’s the right fit to turn things around after they finished dead last in the Eastern Conference last season.

Babcock has a 700-418-183 record over parts of 17 NHL seasons between Anaheim, Detroit, and Toronto.  Internationally, he is the only member of the ’Triple Gold’ club among coaches (Olympics, World Championships, and a Stanley Cup).  That experience comes in stark contrast to former head coach Brad Larsen who was a first-time NHL bench boss before being let go after the season.

Columbus has certainly been active this offseason already, looking to augment its roster.  On the back end, they’ve acquired Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson, giving them two proven top-four pieces to help take some of the pressure off Zach Werenski who should be ready to go after missing most of last season due to injury.  Up front, they picked up Adam Fantilli in the draft this week and are encouraging him to turn pro right away; TSN’s Darren Dreger suggests (Twitter link) that his signing could occur today.  With nearly $5MM in cap space, per CapFriendly, they could still try to add another piece or two in free agency or on the trade front.

Kekalainen clearly believes last year’s showing was an aberration with the hiring of Babcock, a win-now coach, and his defensive upgrades.  The Blue Jackets play in a tight Metropolitan Division that has only one team (Philadelphia) looking to bottom out so even with these moves, their work to get back to the playoffs is going to be cut out for them.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

2023 NHL Draft Results

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The Nashville Predators are hosting the NHL Draft for the first time in 20 years, and it’s shaping up to be a generational one yet again after the famed 2003 first round produced many future Hall of Famers. A potential top five of Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, Will Smith, and Matvei Michkov are all set to be possible franchise talents.

Tonight’s draft should also include a fair bit of intrigue with plenty of NHLers on the trade block and potential massive pick-for-pick trades on the draft floor.

Below, we’ll keep track of all 224 selections through tonight and all day Thursday.

Round One

  1. Chicago Blackhawks – F Connor Bedard, Regina (WHL)
  2. Anaheim Ducks – F Leo Carlsson, Orebro (SHL)
  3. Columbus Blue Jackets – F Adam Fantilli, Michigan (NCAA)
  4. San Jose Sharks – F Will Smith, USA U-18 (NTDP)
  5. Montreal Canadiens – D David Reinbacher, Kloten (NL)
  6. Arizona Coyotes – D Dmitri Simashev, Yaroslavl (MHL)
  7. Philadelphia Flyers – F Matvei Michkov, St. Petersburg (KHL)
  8. Washington Capitals – F Ryan Leonard, USA U-18 (NTDP)
  9. Detroit Red Wings – F Nate Danielson, Brandon (WHL)
  10. St. Louis Blues – F Dalibor Dvorsky, AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
  11. Vancouver Canucks – D Tom Willander, Rogle (J20 Nationell)
  12. Arizona Coyotes (via OTT) – F Daniil But, Yaroslavl (MHL)
  13. Buffalo Sabres – F Zach Benson, Winnipeg (WHL)
  14. Pittsburgh Penguins – F Brayden Yager, Moose Jaw (WHL)
  15. Nashville Predators – F Matthew Wood, UConn (NCAA)
  16. Calgary Flames – F Samuel Honzek, Vancouver (WHL)
  17. Detroit Red Wings (via NYI) – D Axel Sandin Pellikka, Skelleftea (J20 Nationell)
  18. Winnipeg Jets – F Colby Barlow, Owen Sound (OHL)
  19. Chicago Blackhawks (via TBL) – F Oliver Moore, USA U-18 (NTDP)
  20. Seattle Kraken – F Eduard Sale, Brno (Czech Extraliga)
  21. Minnesota Wild – F Charlie Stramel, Wisconsin (NCAA)
  22. Philadelphia Flyers (via LAK) – D Oliver Bonk, London (OHL)
  23. New York Rangers – F Gabriel Perreault, USA U-18 (NTDP)
  24. Nashville Predators (via EDM) – D Tanner Molendyk, Saskatoon (WHL)
  25. St. Louis Blues (via TOR) – F Otto Stenberg, Frolunda (J20 Nationell)
  26. San Jose Sharks (via NJD) – F Quentin Musty, Sudbury (OHL)
  27. Colorado Avalanche – F Calum Ritchie, Oshawa (OHL)
  28. Toronto Maple Leafs (via BOS) – F Easton Cowan, London (OHL)
  29. St. Louis Blues (via DAL) – D Theo Lindstein, Brynas (SHL)
  30. Carolina Hurricanes – F Bradly Nadeau, Penticton (BCHL)
  31. Colorado Avalanche (via FLA) – D Mikhail Gulyayev, Omsk (MHL)
  32. Vegas Golden Knights – F David Edstrom, Frolunda (J20 Nationell)

Round Two

33. Anaheim Ducks – F Nico Myatovic, Seattle (WHL)
34. Columbus Blue Jackets – F Gavin Brindley, Michigan (NCAA)
35. Chicago Blackhawks – G Adam Gajan, Chippewa (NAHL)
36. San Jose Sharks – F Kasper Halttunen, HIFK (Liiga)
37. Tampa Bay Lightning (via MTL) – F Ethan Gauthier, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
38. Arizona Coyotes – G Michael Hrabal, Omaha (USHL)
39. Buffalo Sabres (via PHI) – F Anton Wahlberg, Malmo (J20 Nationell)
40. Washington Capitals – F Andrew Cristall, Kelowna (WHL)
41. Detroit Red Wings – G Trey Augustine, USA U-18 (NTDP)
42. Detroit Red Wings (via STL) – D Andrew Gibson, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
43. Nashville Predators (via VAN) – F Felix Nilsson, Rogle (J20 Nationell)
44. Chicago Blackhawks (via OTT) – F Roman Kantserov, Magnitogorsk (MHL)
45. Buffalo Sabres – D Maxim Strbak, Sioux Falls (USHL)
46. Nashville Predators (via PIT) – F Kalan Lind, Red Deer (WHL)
47. Detroit Red Wings (via NSH) – D Brady Cleveland, USA U-18 (NTDP)
48. Calgary Flames – D Etienne Morin, Moncton (QMJHL)
49. New York Islanders – F Danny Nelson, USA U-18 (NTDP)
50. Seattle Kraken (via WPG) – F Carson Rehkopf, Kitchener (OHL)
51. Philadelphia Flyers (via TBL) – G Carson Bjarnason, Brandon (WHL)
52. Seattle Kraken – F Oscar Fisker Molgaard, HV71 (SHL)
53. Minnesota Wild – F Rasmus Kumpulainen, Pelicans (U20 SM-sarja)
54. Los Angeles Kings – D Jakub Dvorak, Liberec (Czech Extraliga)
55. Chicago Blackhawks (via NYR) – F Martin Misiak, Youngstown (USHL)
56. Edmonton Oilers – D Beau Akey, Barrie (OHL)
57. Seattle Kraken (via TOR) – D Lukas Dragicevic, Tri-City (WHL)
58. New Jersey Devils – F Lenni Hameenaho, Assat (Liiga)
59. Anaheim Ducks (via COL) – F Carey Terrance, Erie (OHL)
60. Anaheim Ducks (via BOS) – G Damian Clara, Farjestad (J20 Nationell)
61. Dallas Stars – D Tristan Bertucci, Flint (OHL)
62. Carolina Hurricanes – F Felix Unger Sorum, Leksand (J20 Nationell)
63. Florida Panthers – F Gracyn Sawchyn, Seattle (WHL)
64. Minnesota Wild (via VGK) – F Riley Heidt, Prince George (WHL)

Round Three

65. Anaheim Ducks – F Coulson Pitre, Flint (OHL)
66. Columbus Blue Jackets – F William Whitelaw, Youngstown (USHL)
67. Chicago Blackhawks – F Nick Lardis, Hamilton (OHL)
68. Nashville Predators (via SJS) – F Jesse Kiiskinen, Pelicans (U20 SM-sarja)
69. Montreal Canadiens – G Jacob Fowler, Youngstown (USHL)
70. Arizona Coyotes – F Jonathan Castagna, St. Andrew’s (CAHS)
71. San Jose Sharks (via PHI) – F Brandon Svoboda, Youngstown (USHL)
72. Arizona Coyotes (via WSH) – F Noel Nordh, Brynas (J20 Nationell)
73. Detroit Red Wings – F Noah Dower Nilsson, Frolunda (J20 Nationell)
74. St. Louis Blues – D Quinton Burns, Kingston (OHL)
75. Vancouver Canucks – D Hunter Brzustewicz, Kitchener (OHL)
76. St. Louis Blues (via OTT) – F Juraj Pekarcik, Nitra (Slovak Extraliga)
77. Vegas Golden Knights (via BUF) – F Mathieu Cataford, Halifax (QMJHL)
78. Los Angeles Kings (via PIT) – F Koehn Ziemmer, Prince George (WHL)
79. Dallas Stars (via NSH) – F Brad Gardiner, Ottawa (OHL)
80. Calgary Flames – F Aydar Suniev, Penticton (BCHL)
81. Arizona Coyotes (via NYI) – F Tanner Ludtke, Lincoln (USHL)
82. Winnipeg Jets – F Zachary Nehring, Shattuck St. Mary’s (USHS)
83. Nashville Predators (via TBL) – D Dylan MacKinnon, Halifax (QMJHL)
84. Seattle Kraken – D Caden Price, Kelowna (WHL)
85. Anaheim Ducks (via MIN) – F Yegor Sidorov, Saskatoon (WHL)
86. Buffalo Sabres (via LAK) – D Gavin McCarthy, Muskegon (USHL)
87. Philadelphia Flyers (via NYR) – G Yegor Zavragin, Khanty-Mansiysk (MHL)
88. Arizona Coyotes (via EDM) – F Vadim Moroz, Minsk (KHL)
89. Vancouver Canucks (via TOR) – D Sawyer Mynio, Seattle (WHL)
90. New York Rangers (via NJD) – D Drew Fortescue, USA U-18 (NTDP)
91. Pittsburgh Penguins (via COL) – D Emil Pieniniemi, Karpat (U20 SM-sarja)
92. Boston Bruins – F Christopher Pelosi, Sioux Falls (USHL)
93. Chicago Blackhawks (via DAL) – F Jiri Felcman, Langnau (Swiss U20-Elit)
94. Carolina Hurricanes – F Jayden Perron, Chicago (USHL)
95. Philadelphia Flyers (via FLA) – F Denver Barkey, London (OHL)
96. Vegas Golden Knights – D Arttu Karki, Tappara (U20 SM-sarja)

Round Four

97. Anaheim Ducks – D Konnor Smith, Peterborough (OHL)
98. Columbus Blue Jackets – D Andrew Strathmann, Youngstown (USHL)
99. Chicago Blackhawks – F Alex Pharand, Sudbury (OHL)
100. Carolina Hurricanes (via SJS) – F Alexander Rykov, Chelyabinsk (VHL)
101. Montreal Canadiens – F Florian Xhekaj, Hamilton (OHL)
102. Arizona Coyotes – D Terrell Goldsmith, Prince Albert (WHL)
103. Philadelphia Flyers – F Cole Knuble, Fargo (USHL)
104. Washington Capitals – F Patrick Thomas, Hamilton (OHL)
105. Vancouver Canucks (via DET) – F Ty Mueller, Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)
106. St. Louis Blues – F Jakub Stancl, Vaxjo (J20 Nationell)
107. Vancouver Canucks – F Vilmer Alriksson, Djurgarden (J20 Nationell)
108. Ottawa Senators – D Hoyt Stanley, Victoria (BCHL)
109. Buffalo Sabres – F Ethan Miedema, Kingston (OHL)
110. Montreal Canadiens (via PIT) – D Bogdan Konyushkov, Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
111. Nashville Predators – F Joey Willis, Saginaw (OHL)
112. Calgary Flames – F Jaden Lipinski, Vancouver (WHL)
113. New York Islanders – F Jesse Nurmi, KooKoo (U20 SM-sarja)
114. Columbus Blue Jackets (via WPG) – F Luca Pinelli, Ottawa (OHL)
115. Tampa Bay Lightning – F Jayson Shaugabay, Warroad (USHS-MN)
116. Seattle Kraken – F Andrei Loshko, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
117. Detroit Red Wings (via MIN) – D Larry Keenan, Culver Military Academy (USHS)
118. Los Angeles Kings – G Hampton Slukynsky, Warroad (USHS-MN)
119. Vancouver Canucks (via NYR) – F Matthew Perkins, Youngstown (USHL)
120. Philadelphia Flyers (via EDM) – F Alex Ciernik, Sodertalje (J20 Nationell)
121. Nashville Predators (via TOR) – G Juha Jatkola, KalPa (Liiga)
122. New Jersey Devils – F Cam Squires, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
123. San Jose Sharks (via COL) – D Luca Cagnoni, Portland (WHL)
124. Boston Bruins – F Beckett Hendrickson, USA U-18 (NTDP)
125. Dallas Stars – D Aram Minnetian, USA U-18 (NTDP)
126. Carolina Hurricanes – F Stanislav Yarovoi, Vityaz Moscow (KHL)
127. Florida Panthers – D Albert Wikman, Farjestad (J20 Nationell)
128. Montreal Canadiens (via VGK) – G Quentin Miller, Quebec (QMJHL)

Round Five

129. Anaheim Ducks – D Rodwin Dionicio, Windsor (OHL)
130. San Jose Sharks (via CBJ) – D Axel Landen, HV71 (J20 Nationell)
131. Chicago Blackhawks – F Marcel Marcel, Gatineau (QMJHL)
132. San Jose Sharks – D Eric Pohlkamp, Cedar Rapids (USHL)
133. Montreal Canadiens – F Sam Harris, Sioux Falls (USHL)
134. Arizona Coyotes – G Melker Thelin, Bjorkloven (J20 Region)
135. Philadelphia Flyers – D Carter Sotheran, Portland (WHL)
136. Washington Capitals – D Cameron Allen, Guelph (OHL)
137. Detroit Red Wings – D Jack Phelan, Sioux Falls (USHL)
138. St. Louis Blues – D Paul Fischer, USA U-18 (NTDP)
139. Carolina Hurricanes (via VAN) – D Charles-Alexis Legault, Quinnipiac (NCAA)
140. Ottawa Senators – D Matthew Andonovski, Kitchener (OHL)
141. Buffalo Sabres – G Scott Ratzlaff, Seattle (WHL)
142. Pittsburgh Penguins – F Mikhail Ilyin, Cherepovets (MHL)
143. Nashville Predators – F Sutter Muzzatti, Rensselaer (NCAA)
144. Montreal Canadiens (via CGY) – G Yevgeni Volokhin, Khanty-Mansiysk (MHL)
145. New York Islanders – F Justin Gill, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
146. Winnipeg Jets – F Jacob Julien, London (OHL)
147. Detroit Red Wings (via TBL) – F Kevin Bicker, Mannheim (DNL U20)
148. Seattle Kraken – D Kaden Hammell, Everett (WHL)
149. Minnesota Wild – D Aaron Pionk, Waterloo (USHL)
150. Los Angeles Kings – D Matthew Mania, Sudbury (OHL)
151. Winnipeg Jets (via NYR) – G Thomas Milic, Seattle (WHL)
152. New York Rangers (via EDM) – D Rasmus Larsson, Vasteras (J20 Nationell)
153. Toronto Maple Leafs – F Hudson Malinoski, Brooks (AJHL)
154. New Jersey Devils – D Chase Cheslock, Rogers (USHS-MN)
155. Colorado Avalanche – D Nikita Ishimnikov, Yekaterinburg (MHL)
156. Columbus Blue Jackets (via BOS) – G Melvin Strahl, MoDo Hockey (J20 Nationell)
157. Dallas Stars – G Arno Tiefensee, Mannheim (DEL)
158. Carolina Hurricanes – G Ruslan Khazheyev, Chelyabinsk (MHL)
159. Florida Panthers – G Olof Glifford, HV71 (J20 Nationell)
160. Arizona Coyotes (via VGK) – D Justin Kipkie, Victoria (WHL)

Round Six

161. Anaheim Ducks – D Vojtech Port, Edmonton (WHL)
162. Arizona Coyotes (via CBJ) – F Samu Bau, Ilves (Liiga)
163. Carolina Hurricanes (via CHI) – F Timur Mukhanov, Omsk (MHL)
164. New Jersey Devils (via SJS) – F Cole Brown, Hamilton (OHL)
165. Montreal Canadiens – F Filip Eriksson, Vaxjo (J20 Nationell)
166. Arizona Coyotes – G Carsen Musser, USA U-18 (NTDP)
167. Chicago Blackhawks (via PHI) – F Milton Oscarson, Orebro (SHL)
168. Seattle Kraken (via WSH) – G Visa Vedenpaa, Karpat (U20 SM-sarja)
169. Detroit Red Wings – G Rudy Guimond, Taft School (USHS)
170. St. Louis Blues – D Matthew Mayich, Ottawa (OHL)
171. Vancouver Canucks – D Aiden Celebrini, Brooks (AJHL)
172. Philadelphia Flyers (via OTT) – F Ryan MacPherson, Leamington (GOJHL)
173. Buffalo Sabres – D Sean Keohane, Cape Cod (18U AAA)
174. Pittsburgh Penguins – F Cooper Foster, Ottawa (OHL)
175. Nashville Predators – F Austin Roest, Everett (WHL)
176. Calgary Flames – G Yegor Yegorov, Dynamo Moscow (MHL)
177. New York Islanders – D Zach Schulz, USA U-18 (NTDP)
178. New York Rangers (via WPG) – F Dylan Roobroeck, Oshawa (OHL)
179. Tampa Bay Lightning – D Warren Clark, Steinbach (MJHL)
180. Seattle Kraken – F Zeb Forsfjall, Skelleftea (J20 Nationell)
181. Minnesota Wild – D Kalem Parker, Victoria (WHL)
182. Los Angeles Kings – F Ryan Conmy, Sioux City (USHL)
183. New York Rangers – F Ty Henricks, Fargo (USHL)
184. Edmonton Oilers – G Nathaniel Day, Flint (OHL)
185. Toronto Maple Leafs – D Noah Chadwick, Lethbridge (WHL)
186. New Jersey Devils – D Daniil Karpovich, Yekaterinburg (MHL)
187. Colorado Avalanche – D Jeremy Hanzel, Seattle (WHL)
188. Boston Bruins – F Ryan Walsh, Cedar Rapids (USHL)
189. Dallas Stars – F Angus MacDonell, Mississauga (OHL)
190. Carolina Hurricanes – F Michael Emerson, Chicago (USHL)
191. Florida Panthers – D Luke Coughlin, Rimouski (QMJHL)
192. Vegas Golden Knights – F Tuomas Uronen, HIFK (U20 SM-sarja)

Round Seven

193. Tampa Bay Lightning (via ANA) – F Jack Harvey, Chicago (USHL)
194. Columbus Blue Jackets – F Oiva Keskinen, Tappara (U20 SM-sarja)
195. Chicago Blackhawks – D Janne Peltonen, Karpat (U20 SM-sarja)
196. San Jose Sharks – F David Klee, Waterloo (USHL)
197. Montreal Canadiens – D Luke Mittelstadt, Minnesota (NCAA)
198. Florida Panthers (via ARI) – F Stepan Zvyagin, Minsk (MHL)
199. Philadelphia Flyers – D Matteo Mann, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
200. Washington Capitals – F Brett Hyland, Brandon (WHL)
201. Detroit Red Wings – F Emmitt Finnie, Kamloops (WHL)
202. St. Louis Blues – F Nikita Susuyev, Spartak Moscow (MHL)
203. San Jose Sharks (via VAN) – F Yegor Rimashevsky, Dynamo Moscow (MHL)
204. Ottawa Senators – F Owen Beckner, Salmon Arm (BCHL)
205. Buffalo Sabres – D Norwin Panocha, Berlin (DNL U20)
206. Washington Capitals (via PIT) – G Antoine Keller, Geneve-Servette (Swiss U20-Elit)
207. Ottawa Senators (via NSH) – G Vladimir Nikitin, Astana (Kazakhstan U20)
208. Calgary Flames – D Axel Hurtig, Rogle (J20 Nationell)
209. New York Islanders – D Dennis Good Bogg, AIK (J20 Nationell)
210. Winnipeg Jets – F Connor Levis, Kamloops (WHL)
211. Tampa Bay Lightning – F Ethan Hay, Flint (OHL)
212. Seattle Kraken – F Zaccharya Wisdom, Cedar Rapids (USHL)
213. Minnesota Wild – F Jimmy Clark, Green Bay (USHL)
214. Boston Bruins (via LAK) – F Casper Nassen, Vasteras (J20 Nationell)
215. Ottawa Senators (via NYR) – F Nicholas VanTassell, Green Bay (USHL)
216. Edmonton Oilers – F Matt Copponi, Merrimack (NCAA)
217. Pittsburgh Penguins (via TOR) – F Emil Jarventie, Ilves (U20 SM-sarja)
218. Nashville Predators (via NJD) – F Aiden Fink, Brooks (AJHL)
219. Colorado Avalanche – F Maros Jedlicka, Zvolen (Slovak Extraliga)
220. Boston Bruins – D Kristian Kostadinski, Frolunda (J20 Nationell)
221. Dallas Stars – F Sebastian Bradshaw, Elite Hockey Academy (18U AAA)
222. Carolina Hurricanes – G Yegor Velmakin, Novovoronezh (NMHL)
223. Pittsburgh Penguins (via FLA) – D Kalle Kangas, Jokerit (U20 SM-sarja)
224. Columbus Blue Jackets (via VGK) – F Tyler Peddle, Drummondville (QMJHL)

Columbus Blue Jackets Select Adam Fantilli Third Overall

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The Columbus Blue Jackets might finally have found the first-line center they’ve long been waiting for. They have taken Adam Fantilli, the Hobey Baker winner, with the third overall pick at the 2023 draft.

This is a major stroke of luck for the Blue Jackets franchise, as it’s highly likely they would have selected Fantilli had they owned the second-overall selection. They were passed by the Chicago Blackhawks in the draft lottery, but now their fall turned out to not be a setback.

Fantilli is the type of player who might go first overall in any draft class that doesn’t include Connor Bedard. He combines speed, size, skill, and an impressive compete level to make him a strong bet to become a number-one center at the NHL level.

He’ll quickly become a fan favorite in Columbus, and he’ll join a growing stable of former Michigan Wolverines with the Blue Jackets, who already roster Zach Werenski, Nick Blankenburg, and Kent Johnson.

Even with 2021 first-rounder Cole Sillinger, Boone Jenner, and Russian import Dmitri Voronkov in Columbus’ long-term plans down the middle, Fantilli is likely to end up Columbus’ first-line center in the long term.

He may take a little while to reach that point, but if his impressive form at Michigan (30 goals, 65 points in 36 games) is any indication he’ll eventually become the face of the Blue Jackets.

Snapshots: Willander, Steen, Sheahan

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The vast majority of high-end draft prospects that head to American collegiate hockey after their draft year do so after playing prominent roles either with the United States National Development Team Program or excelling in the USHL. Swedish defenseman Tom Willander, a likely first-round selection in next week’s 2023 NHL Draft, will buck that trend. He told NHL.com last weekend he’s now committed to spending 2023-24 at Boston University after spending all of last season with Rogle BK J20 in the J20 Nationell, Sweden’s top junior league.

Willander’s strong performance at the 2023 IIHF U18 World Championship with Sweden saw him rocket up most public draft boards, displaying his high-energy two-way play en route to scoring eight points in seven games and posting a +6 rating. The 6-foot-1, 179-pound defender is ranked 12th among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting but has been rumored as an option some teams are considering in the early teens of the first round. Willander dressed for two SHL games with Rogle early in the season, but he didn’t ever touch the ice – maintaining his collegiate eligibility in the process.

Other tidbits from the NHL news cycle today:

  • 2019 Stanley Cup champion Alexander Steen could return to NHL work in some capacity, surmises Bally Sports Midwest’s Andy Strickland. The 2002 first-round selection of the Toronto Maple Leafs would go on to play just over 1,000 NHL games, 765 of which came in a St. Louis Blues jersey. A revered versatile two-way forward, Steen retired 18 months after lifting the Stanley Cup for the first time in his career. If he is to join the ranks of NHLers to keep working in the league in front-office roles, it’s hard to imagine it being with another team than the Blues.
  • NHL coaching hopeful Brock Sheahan will have to wait a little longer for his first role on an NHL bench, as he’s rejoined the University of Notre Dame in an associate head coaching role. Sheahan, 39, rose to prominence behind the bench of the USHL’s Chicago Steel, guiding them to a Clark Cup in 2021 and coaching many high-end NHL prospects, including 2023 draft-eligible center Adam Fantilli, Calgary Flames winger Matthew Coronato, Montreal Canadiens center Sean Farrell, and Florida Panthers winger Mackie Samoskevich. He joined the Carolina Hurricanes in 2022-23, taking over as head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. With the Wolves deciding to operate independently of an NHL organization next season, Sheahan found himself on the open market after just one year there. He returns to Notre Dame, where he played four seasons from 2004 to 2008 and spent the 2013-14 campaign as an assistant coach.

Snapshots: Fantilli, Viel, Bayreuther

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In any other year, a player like University of Michigan forward and Hobey Baker winner Adam Fantilli would be a near-guarantee to be the first overall pick at the draft. But this season happens to also feature generational talent Connor Bedard, and as a result, Fantilli is likely to find himself headed to the Anaheim Ducks rather than the Chicago Blackhawks. Whether Fantilli heads to Anaheim to play with their NHL team in the fall (or in the NHL with whatever non-Anaheim team drafts him, should something surprising happen on draft day) or chooses to return to college hockey for another year is still up in the air.

Fantilli himself addressed the topic in a draft diary posted to NHL.com, writing “I will wait until after the NHL Draft before making a decision on whether or not I will return to Michigan for 2023-24.” Fantilli, who scored a whopping 65 points in 36 games for the Wolverines, expressed disappointment at failing to win a National Championship at Michigan but stressed that his decision would be more “about development and being able to mature as a person” than any lingering desire to win a national title. It certainly seems as though Fantilli could hold his own in the NHL next year but it seems that with players such as 2022 third-overall pick Logan Cooley and 2021 first-overall pick Owen Power taking some extra time in college to develop, Fantilli may opt for that route himself as well.

Some other notes from across the NHL:

  • Undrafted forward Jeffrey Viel, now 26, was slated to be a restricted free agent this offseason with a strong likelihood of continuing his run with the San Jose Sharks into a sixth season. Now, it seems his time with the organization that plucked him out of the QMJHL as an undrafted free agent will be coming to an end. Viel’s agent, Allain Roy, relayed to The Athletic’s Corey Masisiak that “Viel will enter the market on July 1 and look for a new opportunity.” (subscription link) Viel only played four NHL games this season and as a result, qualified for Group Six unrestricted free agency. A valued leader, Viel scored 15 goals and 31 points in the AHL this past season and should be of interest to other teams looking to beef up their AHL middle-six.
  • Another player set to change teams this summer is defenseman Gavin Bayreuther of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 29-year-old played in 94 games for Columbus over the past two seasons, seizing opportunities provided by the multitude of injuries that have hit the Blue Jackets’ defense in that span of time. But now that the team has added considerable talent to their blueline in recent days (through trades for Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson) they have quite the logjam on defense. Columbus has eight defensemen on one-way contracts at the moment and that doesn’t include David Jiricek, the 2022 sixth-overall pick who will likely play his way into NHL consideration quickly in the fall. As a result, The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline reports that “it seems a safe bet” that Bayreuther will hit the open market and move on from the club he’s been with for the past three seasons. (subscription link)

Adam Fantilli Considering NCAA Return

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It has been quite the year for Adam Fantilli. Coming out of the USHL, he joined the Michigan Wolverines just as the program said goodbye to several elite players. Names like Matty Beniers, Kent Johnson, and Owen Power had all turned pro well before their eligibility expired, leaving plenty of opportunity for incoming talents.

The 18-year-old forward took advantage of that opportunity, immediately becoming the team’s most dominant player (save, perhaps, for Luke Hughes, who had his own incredible year). Fantilli would put up 65 points in just 38 games to pace the nation in scoring, win a gold medal as a key part of Team Canada at the World Juniors, and double up to win the Hobey Baker and Tim Taylor awards as college hockey’s best player and rookie.

He’s widely expected to go second overall in this year’s draft to the Anaheim Ducks, a team building quite the core of young forwards.

According to Fantilli, the Ducks might still have to wait a little while to get their hands on him. At the scouting combine in Buffalo, he told reporters, including Adam Kimelman of NHL.com, that a return to Michigan for his sophomore season is not out of the question.

I feel like I really can’t really go wrong. Michigan is an amazing place, and obviously, the NHL is where you want to be, it’s where you grew up wanting to play your entire life. So, it’s a big decision. There’s pros to both sides.

In all likelihood, the 6’2″ center will sign his entry-level deal and leave the NCAA after just one season. But, as he says, there are pros to staying, too. While he doesn’t have much to prove at that level, waiting another year would let him further mature physically and continue to hone his defensive game.

There were times at the recent World Championships when he seemed outmatched against professional competition. He scored just one goal and three points in ten games at the international competition. Should he go back to college for another year—as many top picks do—he would also get another chance to play at the World Juniors, this time as the star attraction.

There’s little doubt that Fantilli will make it to the NHL at some point, but the Ducks don’t need to rush him. The group is probably not yet ready to contend, meaning they could delay his entry-level contract a year. Even if they signed him at the end of the season, as long as Fantilli doesn’t play in more than ten NHL games, his contract would slide forward.

Chicago Blackhawks Win 2023 NHL Draft Lottery

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One of the most highly anticipated nights on the NHL calendar has finally arrived as the annual NHL Draft Lottery was held to determine which team would have the honor of selecting first and second overall at the 2023 NHL Draft. The 16 teams that failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs all had a chance to win the lottery, though teams can only move up a maximum of ten slots, so the bottom 11 teams in the NHL standings all had a chance of landing the top draft pick.

The results are now in and the Chicago Blackhawks have won the first overall selection in the 2023 NHL Draft. They had the third best odds entering the night, but jumped ahead of the Anaheim Ducks and the Columbus Blue Jackets to win the top pick. The Ducks won the second overall pick and will now step to the podium second at the draft after entering the lottery with the best odds at winning the first overall pick. The Blue Jackets had the second best odds of winning the lottery, but have dropped to third overall.

The now official order of the first 16 picks in the 2023 NHL Draft will go as follows:

  1. Chicago Blackhawks
  2. Anaheim Ducks
  3. Columbus Blue Jackets
  4. San Jose Sharks
  5. Montreal Canadiens
  6. Arizona Coyotes
  7. Philadelphia Flyers
  8. Washington Capitals
  9. Detroit Red Wings
  10. St. Louis Blues
  11. Vancouver Canucks
  12. Arizona Coyotes (via Ottawa Senators)
  13. Buffalo Sabres
  14. Pittsburgh Penguins
  15. Nashville Predators
  16. Calgary Flames

The prize for winning the first overall pick is a big one this season. Connor Bedard is slated to go with the top selection at the 2023 NHL Draft and he promises to be an exceptional NHL player.

Bedard will not turn 18 years old until July, but he did lead the WHL in goals, assists and points this past season. He scored 71 goals, 72 assists and 143 points in just 57 games. He was away from the team for a few weeks around Christmas to suit up at the World Juniors where he brought his world-class skills to the biggest stage yet. He was named MVP of the tournament after scoring nine goals and 23 points in just seven games, helping Canada claim a gold medal.

Adam Fantilli is likely to be the second player off the board at the draft, but he is an exceptional consolation prize. He won the Hobey Baker Award as the best player in college hockey during his freshman season. Fantilli scored 30 goals and 65 points in just 36 NCAA contests, showing he is ready to take the next step to the NHL immediately after being drafted.

The 2023 NHL Draft will be held in Nashville, Tennessee on June 28.

Hockey Canada Releases Initial 2023 World Championship Roster

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Hockey Canada has released the initial complement of 20 players that will represent their country at the 2023 IIHF Men’s World Championships next week in Finland.

It’s a more experienced roster than their American counterparts released, at least in terms of current NHL caliber. In net, they’re likely the most well-set team in the tournament, with projected rookie sensation Devon Levi sharing the crease with Montreal Canadien Sam Montembeault, who had a strong season in a tandem role with Jake Allen.

While 2023 presumptive first-overall selection Connor Bedard won’t join the team, likely to avoid risking injuries prier to his rookie season in the NHL, projected second-overall pick Adam Fantilli will. After capturing the Hobey Baker award in what’s likely his only season at the University of Michigan, Fantilli will join seasoned NHL veterans such as Milan Lucic, Scott Laughton, and Tyler Toffoli as Canada goes for gold at the Worlds.

Their defense is highlighted by MacKenzie Weegar. Although he had a tough season in Calgary, he’s not far removed from being a top 20 defender in the world and should make a significant impact at the tournament. Youngsters Pierre-Olivier Joseph and Justin Barron will also get a chance to shine for the Canadians.

The full 20-player roster is as follows:

F Cody Glass
F Jack McBain
F Milan Lucic
F Peyton Krebs
F Scott Laughton
F Jack Quinn
F Jake Neighbours
F Lawson Crouse
F Tyler Toffoli
F Sammy Blais
F Joe Veleno
F Adam Fantilli

D Pierre-Olivier Joseph
D Justin Barron
D MacKenzie Weegar
D Tyler Myers
D Ethan Bear
D Jake Walman

G Devon Levi
G Sam Montembeault

NHL Central Scouting Releases Final 2023 Rankings

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The final rankings from NHL Central Scouting are out, and surprise, surprise, Connor Bedard is the top-ranked player for the 2023 draft. Bedard will almost certainly be the first-overall selection at this summer’s draft. Central Scouting vice president Dan Marr says this about the talented forward:

Bedard has the elite skills and attributes that elite NHL players have, and it’s the precision in which he reads the play, is always in the right place and how he executes and capitalizes on plays.

What places him in that Connor McDavid-special category is his natural presence of mind and instincts that allow him to channel all these attributes to dominate when the opportunity is there and when it’s needed most by his team.

Second place goes to Adam Fantilli, as expected, who recently won the Hobey Baker as college hockey’s top player. The 6’2″ power forward would lead the way in many draft classes, and will be a very nice consolation prize for the second lottery winner.

Notably, the North American list is dominated by forwards. The top-ranked defenseman, Lukas Dragicevic, doesn’t appear until no. 18.

The top ten North America skaters are:

  1. Connor Bedard, Regina Pats (WHL)
  2. Adam Fantilli, Michigan (NCAA)
  3. William Smith, USNTDP
  4. Matthew Wood, UConn (NCAA)
  5. Ryan Leonard, USNTDP
  6. Zach Benson, Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
  7. Nate Danielson, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
  8. Oliver Moore, USNTDP
  9. Samuel Honzek, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
  10. Gabriel Perreault, USNTDP

On the international side, Swedish center Leo Carlsson comes in at the top of the list, ahead of Russian sniper Matvei Michkov, whose path to the NHL is still unclear. The European group is much more positionally balanced, too, with three defensemen coming in the top ten, led by Swiss pro David Reinbacher.

The top ten international skaters are:

  1. Leo Carlsson, Orebro (SHL)
  2. Matvei Michkov, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
  3. Dalibor Dvorsky, AIK (Allsvenskan)
  4. Eduard Sale, Brno (Czech)
  5. David Reinbacher, Kloten (NL)
  6. Otto Stenberg, Frolunda (Sweden Jr.)
  7. Axel Sandin Pellikka, Skelleftea (Sweden Jr.)
  8. Lenni Hameenaho, Assat (Liiga)
  9. Daniil But, Yaroslavl (Russia Jr.)
  10. Mikhail Gulyayev, Omsk (Russia Jr.)

The NHL draft lottery will be held on May 8, with the Anaheim Ducks holding the best chance to land the first pick. The draft itself starts on June 28, with rounds 2-7 the following day.

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