On Friday, the hockey world will learn the fate of Leo Carlsson, and it could have a major ripple effect on the rest of the NHL.
Since Carlsson signed a massive five-year, $90 million offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers, league-wide activity has somewhat stalled. Plenty of UFAs remain available, big names are still on the trade market, and several marquee RFAs are unsigned.
The Carlsson offer sheet has placed a heightened focus on the rest of the RFA landscape, with many believing more could be handed out in the aftermath. That’s, of course, no sure thing, but insider Chris Johnston believes one situation to keep an eye on is that of Adam Fantilli and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“That’s a little harder to ascertain. I certainly know that there are teams out there that are interested in signing him. You’ve got Adam Fantilli, who’s a restricted free agent in Columbus. I think that if he was willing to do it, I do think there’s at least the potential for it. There’s been lots of discussion around it”
The 21-year-old Fantilli just completed the three-year, $2.85 million entry-level contract he signed upon being drafted by the Blue Jackets in 2023. He tallied 59 points (24 goals, 35 assists) in 82 games played last season.
There is already a ton of uncertainty surrounding Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko in Columbus, so the last thing the Blue Jackets need is more of the same with their young star center, Fantilli.
Unfortunately for Columbus, Fantilli’s asking price has gone way up thanks to the Carlsson deal, so they’ll need to pony up to keep him around long term.
If not, and this situation continues to drag out, then the possibility of another monster offer sheet will only increase.
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