The last thing young Columbus star Adam Fantilli wants to be known as is a guy who embellishes on the ice, so when he found himself getting called for just that on Thursday night, he made a plea and an explanation.
Early in the second period, in the midst of the speed of play, Dallas defenseman Thomas Hardy's stick came up and near Fantilli's face enough to draw a high sticking penalty.
Following the second period of play, the third overall pick of the 2023 draft spoke with ESPN announcers and explained that he pleaded his case to the referee, explaining that Hunter had not hit him and that his reaction was simply that.
Fantilli has played in all 13 games for the Blue Jackets this season, centering the second line. He has scored two goals and has five assists, while averaging 15:25 of ice time each game, and despite his age, he expressed to ESPN that he is comfortable in playing at the NHL level.
