Adam Fantilli is still waiting for a new contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but there does not appear to be much concern about an offer sheet from another team.
The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline said the situation around the 21-year-old restricted free agent has gone quiet.
“It’s kind of quieted down best I can tell; you would assume if Fantilli was gonna get an offer sheet…it would’ve happened by now; I don’t think there’s much fear of that right now,” Portzline said on NHL Tonight.
NHL Rumour Report later shared Portzline’s comments on X.
Fantilli is coming off his three-year entry-level contract, which was worth $9.45 million and had a $3.15 million annual cap hit. He now needs a new deal with Columbus.
A multi-year extension is still expected, with five years among the terms being discussed. The final length and value have not been decided.
Fantilli is coming off his best NHL season. He played all 82 games in 2025-26 and finished with 24 goals, 35 assists and 59 points.
For now, there is no offer sheet and Fantilli remains unsigned. The Blue Jackets still have to agree on his next contract.
Adam Fantilli’s asking price could be rising after recent NHL deals
Adam Fantilli’s next contract could cost the Columbus Blue Jackets more than they first expected. NHL insider David Pagnotta said the numbers on recent NHL deals have changed the picture for Fantilli.
“I think going into the offseason, the mentality was something around 10 million dollar AAV, and then three weeks ago all h*ll broke loose and we’ve got bigger numbers across the board.”
Columbus has room to give Adam Fantilli a big raise. The Blue Jackets are projected to have about $86.73 million on their active roster for 2026-27, with the salary cap set at $104 million.
Adam Fantilli has also put up numbers that could support a major contract. He has 67 goals and 140 points in 213 NHL games. Aaron Portzline expects Fantilli’s deal to land between $13 million and $14 million per season.
“I think it’s gonna be a five year deal and I would put it somewhere between 13 and 14 [million].”
Adam Fantilli is coming off his best season in the NHL. He played all 82 games and finished with career highs in goals (24), assists (35) and points (59).
The Blue Jackets currently have about $14.5 million in cap space. A contract worth $13 million to $14 million per year would leave Columbus with very little room for another major addition.
Edited by Sonali Verma