The newest member of the Columbus Blue Jackets honored those who helped him reach his NHL dreams on Wednesday in a special way.
Adam Fantilli, who was selected No. 3 overall by the Blue Jackets during the first night of the 2023 NHL Draft in Nashville, wore a vest that featured the names of family, friends, coaches, teammates, and mentors who guided him to hockey’s biggest stage.
“On the back of my vest, I have a list of everybody that has helped me get to where I’m at… (I was) hoping that I could give them a shoutout,” Fantilli said, according to NHL.com.
“Being able to give my jacket away and walk down the whole way with my vest showing, I just wanted them to know that they were walking up there with me.”
Fantilli’s vest featured more than 140 names written across the back, with the piece on full display as the 18-year-old center made his way to the stage at Bridgestone Arena.
In addition to his vest, Fantilli sported a suit jacket that included photos from his career thus far in the lining.
The University of Michigan product was projected to go either No. 2 or No. 3 in this year’s draft in contention with Swedish center Leo Carlsson.
The Anaheim Ducks ended up taking Carlsson second, and it seems events played out just as Fantilli had hoped.
“This might be a little bit unorthodox, but I’d say the team that I want to go to is the Columbus Blue Jackets,” Fantilli said in a May interview with the NHL.
“I think that would be a great spot, got a lot of Michigan alumni there, a lot of great guys to learn from. I’d be so honored and grateful to be able to be picked by them.”
Fantilli is primed to be the exact center Columbus needs, and will likely play between All-Stars Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine.
Fantilli has still not made a decision on whether he’ll return to Michigan for his sophomore season or make a straight shot for the NHL.
The 2023 Hobey Baker winner said in a post-draft interview that he will probably attend the Blue Jackets’ development camp next week, where he’ll discuss his next steps with management.
The Michigan Wolverine tore it up in his freshman season, posting 30 goals and 35 assists through 36 games as the top player in men’s college hockey.
Fantilli and his team clinched their second consecutive Big Ten tournament title in March before appearing in the Frozen Four in April, when they lost in the national semifinals to Quinnipiac, which went on to win the national championship.
The Nobelton, Ontario, native also won gold in both the World Junior Championships and the World Championships this year with Team Canada.
Fantilli, the youngest player on Team Canada in May, had a widely-talked-about deke goal in the tournament that proved he could skate with the pros.
Fantilli is known for his speed, sharp shooting, play on the walls and ability to force himself to the inside of plays.
If he chooses to leave the collegiate game, Columbus –– which finished 31st in a 32-team league this past season –– will no doubt welcome Fantilli with open arms.