Former Michigan Wolverines forward Adam Fantilli (19) Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Top NHL draft pick wows crowd with ‘Michigan’ goal

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 7/6/23

Adam Fantilli signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, and by Sunday, he had already become a fan-favorite.

During the first day of Blue Jackets development camp on Saturday, Fantilli showcased the offensive prowess that led to his selection with the No. 3 overall pick in last week’s NHL Draft as he casually skated around the back of the net and scored a lacrosse-style goal in front of fans in attendance at the OhioHealth Chiller North ice facility in Columbus.

The goal was a tip of the cap to the University of Michigan, Fantilli’s alma mater.

Adam Fantilli wasted no time pulling out The Michigan.

(: @adam_33) pic.twitter.com/ZBEiifsewF
— NHL (@NHL) July 4, 2023

After initially considering returning to school for his sophomore season, Fantilli wasted no time signing with the Blue Jackets — the team the 18-year-old center told NHL.com back in May that he wanted to play for.

The 18-year-old freshman just happened to fall in the Blue Jackets laps after the Anaheim Ducks, who had long been rumored to be eyeing Fantilli with the No. 2 overall pick, elected to grab center Leo Carlsson instead.

Back in May, @AdamFantilli told us what team he'd like to go to most... #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/diBMaEkCNz
— NHL (@NHL) June 28, 2023

The Wolverines-to-Blue Jackets pipeline is a bit unconventional given the natural rivalry between Michigan and Ohio, but Fantilli wanted be surrounded by former UM alumni in the NHL, which Columbus has in spades.

There have been eight former Wolverines who have played for the Blue Jackets, including Fantilli and teammate Gavin Brindley, who Columbus picked 34th overall in the 2023 draft.

Best buds: Adam Fantilli and Gavin Brindley, pairing up in drills. All smiles in development camp today #CBJ @umichhockey pic.twitter.com/Ndrd8UeWaX
— Kellyanne Stitts (@KellyanneStitts) July 3, 2023

The others include current defensemen Zach Werenski and Nick Blankenburg plus center Kent Johnson. The others include Tyler Motte (2018), Jack Johnson (2012-18), Shawn Hunwick (2012), Chad Kolarik (2010) and Blake Sloan (2001-02).

Although Fantilli spent only one season at Michigan, it was a memorable one. He scored 30 goals and 65 points in 36 games, en route to being named college hockey’s National Rookie of the Year and winning the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the top hockey player in the NCAA.

Fantilli helped lead the Wolverines to a 26-12-3 record, their second straight Big Ten Tournament championship and their NCAA-leading 27th Frozen Four appearance.

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