Adam Fantilli developing into a two-way center in his third NHL season

The Columbus Blue Jackets have watched Adam Fantilli transform from a promising rookie into a cornerstone franchise center. After a rookie campaign cut short by injury and a sophomore season highlighted by 31 goals, Fantilli’s third NHL season has revealed his most complete game yet. The 2023 third overall pick is no longer just a scoring threat—he’s becoming the two-way center every championship team needs.

This evolution didn’t happen by accident. It stems from deliberate offseason work, veteran mentorship, and an internal drive to master everydetail of the position. While his offensive numbers continue to impress, it’s the subtle improvements in his defensive zone coverage, faceoff prowess, and overall hockey IQ that have Columbus management believing they have a future Selke Trophy candidate on their hands.

How Adam Fantilli is mastering two-way play in his third NHL season

Fantilli’s commitment to defensive hockey began in earnest during his sophomore season, but it has crystallized in year three. Beyond his goal-scoring ability, he’s developed into a player who takes equal pride in preventing them. Through 21 games this season, Fantilli has already registered 22 hits and 13 blocked shots, putting him on pace to surpass last season’s totals of 113 hits and 56 blocks across a full 82-game schedule.

The most dramatic improvement has come in the faceoff circle—a critical skill for any center aspiring to elite two-way status. His success rate has jumped a remarkable 10 percentage points, from 41.2% in 2024-25 to 51.1% entering recent action. This leap didn’t happen by chance. As Fantilli himself explained, “I think faceoffs honestly, talking to a lot of guys. I talk to (Sean Monahan) all the time. I talked to (Sidney) Crosby overseas. I talk to (Dylan) Larkin in the summers. I want to get better at them. And everyone says it comes with experience and being in those situations.”

Coach Dean Evason has noticed the transformation, crediting Fantilli’s work ethic and mindset. “It started last year, his commitment to play the game the right way and to play both ends and to concentrate on his defensive game,” Evason said. “It’s helped his offensive game. He’s put himself in really good positions to check which gives him the opportunity to get the puck which gives him an opportunity to score goals. So yeah, his commitment level in all areas has continually gotten better because of his mindset to do it.”

The results extend beyond individual statistics. When paired with Dmitri Voronkov and Kirill Marchenko, Fantilli’s line has outscored opponents 7-6 at 5-on-5 while controlling the majority of scoring chances. This balanced approach—contributing offensively while not sacrificing defensive responsibility—demonstrates the maturation of a player understanding what it takes to win at the NHL level.

The mentorship that shaped a complete player

Fantilli’s development accelerated after an invitation from Nathan MacKinnon to train in Nova Scotia alongside Sidney Crosby last summer. The experience provided an up-close view of what true NHL superstars invest to maintain their dominance. “When I was younger, it was always Sidney Crosby (who I looked up to), and I wanted to just watch him as much as possible,” Fantilli reflected. “I went up and skated with them in Halifax this summer for a week and got to see (MacKinnon) and Sid, and they work so hard in the offseason. It was really great to see.”

These weren’t casual skates. Fantilli witnessed the meticulous preparation and elite conditioning required to become one of the league’s best centers. “I have a long way to go to catch up to (MacKinnon), but I think he is stronger and faster, and that’s the level I want to get to,” Fantilli admitted. “He does so many things so well, so I’m gonna just keep working on trying to get there.”

Closer to home, veteran teammates Sean Monahan and Boone Jenner provided daily guidance in the Columbus locker room. Their influence helped Fantilli navigate the challenges of professional hockey, from defensive positioning to understanding situational play. The veterans’ mentorship proved invaluable when Monahan’s wrist injury in January forced Fantilli into a top-line role, where he responded with 12 goals and 11 assists over 28 games, including two hat tricks.

The summer training extended beyond Nova Scotia. Fantilli spent significant time in Michigan skating with teammate Zach Werenski, the Hughes brothers, and other NHL stars. Werenski noted how this environment pushed the young center: “Everyone pushes each other, and I don’t know if he realizes it, but he’s pretty fortunate to be in a group like that at such a young age. I wish I had that when I was his age. He has a lot of guys that are around the same age as him that are superstars in this league like the Hughes brothers, guys he’s familiar with, guys who are a little bit older but have been around for a real long time.”

Statistical proof of two-way evolution

The numbers tell a compelling story of Fantilli’s transformation. His faceoff improvement represents one of the single biggest developmental jumps for any young center in recent memory. Moving from 41.2% to 51.1% doesn’t just make him respectable at the dot—it makes him reliable in critical situations. He’s now trusted to take important defensive zone draws, a responsibility rarely given to players still learning the position.

His physical engagement has also increased significantly. The 113 hits from last season demonstrated willingness, but the timing and situational awareness of those hits this year show hockey intelligence. He’s learning when to finish checks to separate opponents from pucks and when to use his body to protect defensive territory. Similarly, his 56 blocked shots in 2024-25 indicated effort; this season’s pace suggests better positioning and anticipation.

Perhaps most telling is his plus-minus trend. After posting a minus-3 rating last season, Fantilli has started this campaign at plus-2 through the early stretch. While this statistic doesn’t tell the complete defensive story, the improvement alongside his other metrics suggests better overall decision-making. He’s no longer just a offensive player trying to survive defensively—he’s actively contributing to preventing goals.

The advanced metrics support the eye test. His line’s ability to control scoring chances while maintaining offensive production represents the holy grail of hockey analytics: positive possession with positive results. This balance makes him invaluable to a Columbus team building around young talent, as he elevates his linemates’ defensive play without suppressing their offensive creativity.

What this means for Columbus’ championship aspirations

Fantilli’s emergence as a legitimate two-way center changes the timeline for the Blue Jackets’ rebuild. Teams that win Stanley Cups almost always have elite centers who excel at both ends of the ice. With his current trajectory, Fantilli profiles as that type of foundational piece. His ability to match up against opponents’ top lines while still producing offensively gives Columbus a matchup advantage that few teams can counter.

The development also creates a positive ripple effect throughout the lineup. When your top center commits to defensive responsibility, it sets a standard for the entire forward group. Younger players like Kent Johnson and Cole Sillinger see Fantilli’s backchecking and faceoff dedication and understand what’s required to earn ice time. The culture shift from a team focused on individual offense to one prioritizing complete play happens organically when your best young player leads by example.

From a roster construction standpoint, Fantilli’s two-way growth provides flexibility. Management can now pursue offensive wingers knowing they have a center who can cover for their defensive shortcomings. The pressure on the defense corps decreases when the forwards are actively engaged in preventing zone entries and supporting down low. Every aspect of team defense improves when the center of your top line takes ownership of his own end.

Looking ahead, the ceiling remains remarkably high. Teammate Zach Werenski believes Fantilli is “just starting to scratch the surface of the player he’s going to become.” If this is just the beginning of his two-way development, Columbus may have a future Hart Trophy and Selke Trophy candidate—an elite offensive producer who also ranks among the league’s best defensive forwards. That combination represents the most valuable commodity in hockey: a true number-one center who can carry a franchise.

The Blue Jackets haven’t had a player with this combination of size, skill, and defensive commitment since their inception. Fantilli’s 6-foot-2 frame gives him the physical tools to excel in defensive situations, while his offensive pedigree ensures opponents can’t ignore him. As he continues to gain experience and strength, the defensive play should only improve, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches.

The timing of this development perfectly aligns with Columbus’ emerging competitive window. As prospects like David Jiricek and Denton Mateychuk join the blue line, and as goaltender Elvis Merzlikins enters his prime, having a dominant two-way center anchors the entire team structure. Fantilli’s growth accelerates every timeline projection for when the Blue Jackets can realistically contend for a championship.

Adam Fantilli developing into a two-way center in his third NHL season validates the Blue Jackets’ faith in selecting him third overall. While other players from his draft class may flash brighter offensive numbers, none combine scoring ability with defensive responsibility like Fantilli. His commitment to mastering every aspect of center play suggests a career trajectory toward franchise cornerstone status rather than mere offensive specialist.

For Columbus fans who endured years of searching for a true number-one center, Fantilli’s evolution provides both excitement and relief. The organization finally has the piece around which championship rosters are built—a player who scores 30 goals while willingly sacrificing his body to block shots and winning critical faceoffs in the defensive zone. The complete package is arriving ahead of schedule, and the Blue Jackets’ future has never looked brighter.