Blue Jackets Should Try Long-Term Expansion Adam Fantilli – Hockey Writer – Columbus Blue Jacket
With the latest news from Yegor Chinakhov, Columbus Blue Jacket General Manager (GM) Don Waddell already has a lot at this point. But once resolved, his biggest priority should undoubtedly be to get Adam Fantilli’s second NHL contract out.
With Fantilli’s new deal, Waddell can negotiate in a variety of ways. Many situations in the league have similar situations in a similar way to short-term bridge trading, where another contract can be signed when the player is still a restricted free agent. While this is a wise decision to gain the most team control of the player occasionally, the logical move is to make a long-term commitment to the player. This approach has more risks, but with the tricks and potential in fantasy, it seems to be the right choice for a blue jacket.
Why Vantilly deserves a long-term deal
Fantilli is only 20 years old and is already a 30-goal scorer at the NHL level. Not every day is there to break into the league and score at such a high rate. Even if Connor Bedard hasn’t reached that milestone, although he’s certainly earning points for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Fantilli has a high work ethic, he has performed well and will only continue to improve. Not to mention he has the qualities of a leader, theoretically he could be the future Blue Jacket Captain if his career continues to be planned. As a result, it makes sense to show him that management sees him as the future face of the organization by providing him with long-term deals.
There are some negative consequences to signing any young player to reach a long-term agreement. But as long as Fantilli can continue to develop under the current trajectory, many of them will be overcome. The long-term contract will reach a higher ceiling on the gate, but it will be better than him signing the bridge, scoring 40 goals over the next two seasons before getting another new deal.
The baseline of negotiation
A recent example is equivalent to Fantilli, Dylan Guenther and Utah Mammoth. But while Guenther had a higher total per game before the signing date, Fantilli had a more verified asset than the Mammoth striker signed. Add to that fact that Fantilli is also a central one, his value has indeed risen by a good number.
The average annual price of Guenther’s contract is $7.14 million. Fantilli’s range could be between $80-9 million due to position differences and defensive responsibilities. However, it is at least a baseline.
If the Blue Jackets sign Fentile on the short-term bridge, they may sign $50-6 million in the next two or three seasons, but the following season may be the eight-digit range per season, especially as salary caps start to rise.
Fantilli has one year left on her entry-level contract, but if Waddell is smart, he will complete the extension before prices continue to rise.
Related: 3 Return Blue Jackets Should be Looking for in Yegor Chinakhov Transaction
Earning a lot of money and time for a 20-year-old player is always a risk, but based on Fantilli’s work ethics and personality, he seems as sure as any young player in the league. Given that cap space is not a problem for Columbus’ foreseeable future, there is no doubt that when the team is expected to be a true contender, there is no doubt that the salary cap will be paid at the end of the deal.
