Blue Jackets’ Adam Fantilli becomes more complete player in third NHL season – Hockey Writer – Columbus Blue Jackets
Adam Fantilli continues to improve as he enters his third NHL season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. While he’s making news for how he affects the game on the ice, he’s quietly doing something with the rest of the game that everyone will notice sooner or later.
Fantilli continues to become a more complete player.
Scoring 31 goals in his second season will attract a lot of attention. But it was what he did the rest of the way that would continue to elevate him into an eventual NHL superstar.
In fact, this process officially started last season.
Exceed goals and points
Fantilli takes great pride in his game on both sides of the ice. While he loves to score, he also loves to play defense.
Some of his other numbers bear this out. In the 2024-25 season, Fantilli had 113 hits in all 82 games. He also blocked 56 shots, demonstrating his commitment to doing his best to keep the puck at bay.
So far in the 2025-26 season, Fantilli has 22 hits and 13 blocks in 21 games. But where he really developed himself was in the confrontational circle. He’s a much improved player with the ball.
Entering Saturday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings, Vantilli’s success rate jumped 10 percent to 51.1 percent from 41.2 percent in 2024-25. He is proving himself fit for every important occasion.
Coach Dean Evason cited Fantilli’s work ethic as the reason he’s a more complete player today.
“He’s committed to playing the game the right way since last year, playing both ends of the floor and focusing on defense,” Evason said. “It helps his offense. He puts himself in really good positions to check, which gives him a chance to get the puck, which gives him a chance to score. So, yeah, his commitment level in all areas continues to improve because of his mentality.”
Fantilli made the most of last offseason’s opportunity at the men’s world championships as a key to his ability to reach the next level. This is especially evident when it comes to becoming a more reliable faceoff player.
“I think confronting it honestly, talking to a lot of people,” Fantilli said. “I’ve been talking to (Sean Monaghan). I talked to (Sidney) Crosby overseas. I talked to (Dylan) Larkin in the summer. I want to get better at those things. Everybody says it comes down to experience and performance in those situations. Also working on your timing and technique and stuff like that. But a lot of it comes from the experience out there, knowing the players you’re going against and the situations you’re in.”
“I think I’ve taken enough steps that I’m starting to understand and start getting better. Hopefully I can continue to get better.”
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Even before being moved to play with Dmitry Voronkov and Kirill Marchenko, Fantilli’s confidence never wavered. Even though he didn’t get the numbers, he still thinks he’s in good shape for the game. It’s just a matter of time.
“I know I played well,” Fantilli said. “I like my game. I’m really happy that we’re starting to contribute to the goals. That’s what I came here to do and that’s what I have to do. But I still like the way I play.”
Fantilli’s record of 8 wins, 8 draws and 16 losses in 21 games played on Saturday puts him on pace for more than 30 goals again while impacting more areas of the game. After a slow start to the season, he shone alongside Voronkov and Marchenko.
This line is outscoring opponents 7-6 in 5-on-5 play (per Nat Stat Trick) and controlling the majority of scoring opportunities on the ice together. But Fantilli’s understanding of the importance of the other side of the puck has allowed him to continue his rapid improvement into a well-rounded two-way center.
“I have to play the right way. For the most part, I think I’ve been doing that. I want to get on the scoresheet. I want to help us win games, and you can’t win without scoring. So I want to be there and contribute. But you can’t win without the right way and proper defense. So keep doing that. Everybody’s been doing a great job so far.”
