Adam Fantilli

The ideal consolation prize for the team selecting second overall

May 10, 2023

Height: 6’2”
Weight: 195 lbs.
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
Team: University of Michigan (NCAA)
Nationality: Canada

The Draft Prospectus Ranking: #2

With the Chicago Blackhawks fan base rejoicing as they’ve won the Connor Bedard sweepstakes, Anaheim Ducks fans are left wondering as they are reduced to making the second overall selection at the 2023 NHL Draft. The disappointment will be short-lived as they realize they have a likely superstar, Adam Fantilli likely joining their ranks.

Similar to 2015, when Jack Eichel would have been selected first overall if it weren’t for Connor McDavid, most other years, Fantilli would almost undoubtedly be the first overall pick.

Taking the non-traditional route on his road to the NHL, Fantilli, as a Canadian, elected to play NCAA hockey instead of Canadian juniors. Typically, Americans will go the NCAA route while Canadian kids join the CHL, with this being one of a few exceptions each season.

"He's got the speed and the size, but he's always driving [to the net]. He's relentless. Adam has the size, the will and the skill. He's a dog on the bone - in and around the net with the puck." - Craig Button, TSN

Fantilli, top 2023 NHL Draft prospect, is frontrunner for NCAA award

During the COVID pandemic, while the OHL was shut down completely, Fantilli joined the Chicago Steel of the USHL, as the league was still playing games. Fantilli played two seasons with the Steel, winning the Clark Cup during his first season while being named MVP of the playoffs. The following year he’d rack up 74 points (37 goals, 37 assists), finishing top-10 in scoring.

Following his two seasons in the Windy City, Fantilli committed to playing in the college ranks at the University of Michigan. In his freshman season, Fantilli led the country in points while falling one game shy of competing for a National Championship. For his efforts, he was awarded the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the top player in the NCAA.

Unlike juniors, Fantilli is playing against men up to six years older than himself. In the NCAA, it's not uncommon to see players up to 24 years old on each team's roster, making his accomplishments even more impressive.

🥅 Fantilli is an offensive powerhouse. Shooting, passing, vision, he has the whole package. He’s at his best when he has the puck on his stick. Fantilli maneuvers through the opposition like a warm knife through butter, with his head up the whole time scanning the ice.

When he finds the opportunity to shoot, he has a lethal wrister. From anywhere on the ice, Fantilli can locate the back of the net. His shot doesn’t explode off his stick like Bedard, but it is still tremendously valuable.

Even without the puck, Fantilli always tends to have his stick on the ice in anticipation of receiving a pass. His one-timer is remarkably effective as he seeks the goal from any angle.

When he’s not using his hands to create for himself, he’s more than willing to use his body. At 6’2” and nearly 190 lbs., Fantilli absorbs contact as he battles his way into the dirty areas. Like many skill players, he doesn’t shy away from contact - he invites it. He possesses the unique attributes of both a playmaker and a power forward.

Though there is no lack of goal-scoring, Fantilli is considered to be a pass-first forward. As top players do, he draws in defenders, opening up passing lanes. He has such a high IQ that he can easily manipulate defenders into making mistakes.

At the World Junior Championships this year, Fantilli didn’t have the breakout performance people were expecting. He would likely say he wasn’t at his best but was snake-bitten at times, hitting multiple posts. While he wasn’t racking up the points, he created consistent opportunities for his teammates. He has an uncanny ability to know where his teammates are anywhere on the ice.

His skating isn’t considered a primary strength, but it’s also not a hindrance. His straight-line speed could be better, but he works well with what he currently has.

One flaw in Fantilli’s game is his desire to do too much with the puck. He loves to create with the puck on his blade and sometimes can be forced into a turnover when dumping the puck would have been a better option. Like Mat Barzal, he relies too much on his stick-handling ability.

🏒 While it doesn’t seem like a Selke Trophy in the future for Fantilli, it doesn’t mean his play in the defensive end is a weakness.

With his big frame, it would be nice to see Fantilli use his size more often. At only 18 years old, he’ll likely fill out more and play at close to 200 lbs during his prime years. Getting accustomed to using his body more along the boards will pay dividends for him down the road.

Fantilli plays the forecheck well but still has a ways to go. Playing as an F1, he can create chaos. If he can manage to force a turnover, he can use his stick handling to create shooting opportunities while opponents are up ice or find one of his teammates as they come rushing back into play.

📊 Fantilli seems to be cemented as the second overall prospect in 2023. With a more impressive WJC to go along with his season at Michigan, he could have made it a two-horse race with Bedard at the top but will likely have to settle for number two.

Projected as a top-line center and with his ability to drive play among the best, Fantilli has the potential to be a perennial all-star in the NHL.

Though he may not have the speed of Nathan MacKinnon, the two play a similar game with their puck-handling ability and nose for the net. Like MacKinnon, he can be a one-man breakout when necessary.

The Ducks will likely select Fantilli second overall, making it one of the most painless selections of the night. Along with Trevor Zegras and Mason McTavish, Anaheim will have a three-headed monster at the forward position. The three together will be must-watch hockey and become one of the most exciting teams in the NHL.