Adam Fantilli contract talks take a turn as Elliotte Friedman reveals what changed his asking price
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Adam Fantilli contract talks with Columbus remain stalled as Elliotte Friedman details the Carlsson effect now shaping his asking price.
The Adam Fantilli contract situation in Columbus took an interesting turn this week after Elliotte Friedman offered new insight into why the two sides remain apart.
Speaking on NHL Network, Friedman said he had not heard of any serious trouble between Fantilli and the Blue Jackets, but he pointed to a specific shift in the market that has complicated things.
According to Friedman, there is now a before Carlsson and after Carlsson price for Fantilli, and Columbus has not gotten to that after Carlsson number yet.
That reference matters because Leo Carlsson's offer sheet with Anaheim reset the entire RFA market this summer, briefly making him the highest paid player in the league at $18 million a year.
Connor Bedard followed with a $15 million deal in Chicago.
Fantilli, taken one pick after Carlsson and two after Bedard in the 2023 draft, now finds himself measured against both numbers as he negotiates his own second contract with general manager Don Waddell and the Blue Jackets front office.
"I hadn't heard much except there was a gap. I think there was a before Carlsson and an after Carlsson price with Fantilli. And for what Fantilli is after Carlsson price would be I don't think Columbus has gotten there yet."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
Where the numbers stand
Reports have Fantilli seeking a deal somewhere between $13 million and $15 million a year, while the Blue Jackets are believed to be sitting closer to $12 million to $12.5 million.
That gap has been described as a real sticking point rather than simple posturing, and training camp is approaching fast.
What comes next for Columbus
Waddell has said both sides remain in regular communication and he expects a deal to get finalized before camp opens.
Fantilli is coming off a 59 point season and is projected to slot in as Columbus' top line center once a new contract is signed.
For now, the timeline remains the biggest question mark hanging over an otherwise active Blue Jackets offseason.
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