With the 2023 NHL Draft just around the corner, versatile prospect Adam Fantilli is generating tonnes of interest from around the hockey world.
The Canadian, a standout performer for the University of Michigan in the NCAA, has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the ice and is forecast to be selected in the top three.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at power forward’s path to becoming one of the most highly-coveted prospects at the 2023 NHL Draft.
Rising Star: Adam Fantilli’s Journey to the 2023 NHL Draft
Fantilli is widely discussed in the same breath as Leo Carlsson and Matvei Michkov, who sit narrowly behind Connor Bedard in the prospect sweepstakes.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed success throughout his junior career, headlined by a dominant freshman campaign at the University of Michigan – which saw him compile 65 points (30 goals, 35 assists) in 36 appearances.
In the previous season, his final twirl in the USHL with the Chicago Steel, the Toronto-born attacker posted an absurd 74 points (37 goals, 37 assists) in 54 appearances.
“A puck-dominant player, Fantilli builds speed ahead of each possession, attacks through the neutral zone with crossover-heavy weaving rush patterns, and carves through defensive formations with equal parts cunning, skill, and power,” wrote an Elite Prospects scout.
“Every touch is an opportunity to drive the net and Fantilli’s never seen one that he could pass up. He’s physical. His motor never stops. And his on-ice intelligence is ever-present in the defensive and neutral zones as it is the offensive third.”
Adam Fantilli, 2023 NHL Draft Prospect (Image: Hockey Canada)
Standing at 6-foot-2 with the speed and skill to match his frame, Fantilli – who could return to college next season – has impressed scouts and coaches with his ability to find the back of the net while also contributing as a puck-mover.
His scoring prowess was also on full display while winning a pair of gold medals with Team Canada, for whom he contributed five points (two goals, three assists) in seven appearances at the 2023 IIHF U20 World Championship and three points (one goal, two assists) in 10 appearances at the 2023 IIHF Men’s World Championship.
“He doesn’t look 18. And you can just tell he’s going to be a top player in this league for a long time,” said Team Canada teammate Scott Laughton. “The way he handles himself, it’s impressive.”
Those experiences further solidify his status as a franchise-altering player of the future, with the Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets expected to draft him second or third overall, respectively.
The Countdown Begins: Adam Fantilli Adds Excitement to the 2023 NHL Draft
While Fantilli has drawn comparisons to the likes of Aleksander Barkov, Nathan MacKinnon, and Anze Kopitar, he – like any prospect – will need some time to develop in the professional ranks and faces some uncertainty over his final destination.
As the 2023 NHL Draft draws near, the hockey world eagerly awaits to see which team will secure the services of this budding star. Will it be the Ducks, Blue Jackets, or a franchise further down the order – if Michkov, impacted by the war in Ukraine and his three-year contract in the Kontinental Hockey League, finds his way into the top three?
Related: Where will Matvei Michkov land in 2023 NHL Entry Draft?
Only time will tell. However, one thing remains clear – Fantilli is on the path to become an elite level forward, solidifying his status as one of the brightest prospects in a stacked class.
The 2023 NHL Draft promises to be an exhilarating event and Fantilli’s presence adds to the anticipation. His exceptional skills, dominating performances, and potential to make a significant impact at both ends of the ice make him a highly coveted prospect.
As the countdown to draft day continues, plenty of attention will fall on the young shoulders of Fantilli – who promises to become one of the next dominant players in the NHL.
Which team will select 2023 NHL Draft prospect Adam Fantilli? Join the discussion in the comments.
