It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re in the lazy days of summer, but general managers are working hard. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes, as general managers are trying to get some major things done. General managers are already thinking about the future and deals for the next few seasons. Executives aren’t messing around when it comes to trying to extending key players.
One team that needs to make some decisions on younger players is the Columbus Blue Jackets. This edition of NHL rumours takes a look at what the next contract may look like for a highly-touted forward.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Projecting the Next Deal for Young Columbus Blue Jackets Centre
Rumour: Aaron Portzline of The Athletic projected on what a new deal for forward Adam Fantilli may look like. Fantilli is in the final year of his entry-level deal and can sign an extension at any point.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/653… When Blue Jackets begin contract talks with Adam Fantilli, what term makes sense?
— Aaron Portzline (@aportzline.bsky.social) 2025-08-04T18:55:13.144Z
https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js
Analysis: The 20-year-old had a breakthrough campaign for Columbus with 31 goals and 23 assists for 54 points in 82 games. It was a nice bounce-back campaign for Fantilli after an injury-riddle rookie season. The former University of Michigan product is one of two 30-goal scorers from last season under the age of 25 (Yegor Chinakhov was the other.)
Fantilli seems to be part of a good core of players that could have the Blue Jackets eyeing a return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs sooner rather than later. The Nobleton, Ontario native is part of a promising centre group that the Blue Jackets have.
However, general manager Don Waddell has some work to do to keep this group together. It’s been a challenge to keep talented players in Ohio, as they often seek greener pastures in larger markets. We just recently saw that Chinakhov has requested a trade away from the organization.
What It Means
The rising salary cap could be both a blessing and a curse for Waddell. Columbus could be able to give big-money deals to keep some of their important players. However, other teams will also have funds to try and lure away some of their younger stars. That rising cap may also make it hard to gauge what a fair-value deal would be for both side.
The Blue Jackets’ fan base would feel a tremendous weight lifted of their shoulders if Fantilli signs a maximum-length eight-year contract to stay put. Fantilli’s agent, Pat Brisson, declined to comment to Portzline on the possibilities of his client’s next deal. Waddell would love to sign Fantilli to a lengthy contract, but that may not be what both sides agree on.
Portzline talked to two different unnamed agents and they gave differing opinions. Players like Jake Sanderson, Jackson Blake and Cole Caufield all signed eight-year deals and Fantilli may want that security. Something like eight years an $8 million AAV could seem like an overpay now, but would be a discount if Fantilli keeps producing. However, the other agent suggested nothing longer than three years so a respective client would be able maximize earning potential.
Both Brisson and Waddell are dealmakers and don’t mess around. Waddell added that he’d be fine with bridge deal to see if Fantilli can keep putting up numbers. A bridge deal is something that younger players have been signing in recent weeks and this could be the way forward.
Main photo by: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
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