Fantilli's $82.5 million deal ends a camp absence and sets Columbus' next test

Adam Fantilli and the Columbus Blue Jackets reached the agreement that had kept him out of training camp. The club announced Thursday that its 21-year-old center signed a six-year, $82.5 million contract through the 2031-32 season. The annual average is $13.75 million, according to the NHL's report.

Fantilli missed the first eight days of camp and three preseason games during negotiations. He said after signing that he had completed his medical review and hoped to practice Friday. He also expressed interest in playing Saturday's preseason finale if permitted. That is his hope, not a confirmed lineup assignment.

The size of the deal reflects Columbus' decision to treat Fantilli as a central piece rather than a short-term bet. He produced 24 goals and 35 assists in 82 games last season, a career-high 59 points. Through 213 NHL regular-season games, the 2023 draft's third overall selection has 67 goals and 73 assists.

A cornerstone with more to prove

General manager Don Waddell framed the contract around the club's ambition to get past a long playoff absence. Columbus finished 2025-26 with 92 points and missed the postseason for a sixth straight season. A $13.75 million cap hit makes Fantilli's continued development important, but it cannot by itself repair every part of a roster.

There is a distinction between paying for what a young center has already done and paying to keep the player a team believes he can become. Fantilli has shown he can handle a full 82-game season and lead a growing offense. The next step is to make that production part of a team that plays meaningful games beyond its final regular-season date.

Columbus opens the regular season against Buffalo on October 1, according to the NHL. Signing before that date gives Fantilli several days to work with his teammates and the coaching staff after missing the start of camp. The contract impasse is over. The Blue Jackets' case for a return to the playoffs will be made on the ice.