Times are changing in the NHL. We are entering a new world where players are making more than before. While the increase started a couple of years ago, this offseason saw the biggest jump, with Leo Carlsson getting an AAV of $18 million, Connor Bedard getting an AAV of $15 million, and then Macklin Celebrini‘s AAV of $18.8 million.
NHL Expansion is Coming, Kirill Marchenko and Adam Fantilli
While Celebrini’s new contract doesn’t start until next season, Carlsson’s and Bedard’s start this season. The same goes for Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild, who has an AAV of $17 million. So, with Bedard and Carlsson already signed, Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Cutter Gauthier of the Anaheim Ducks are still out there needing contracts.
Many expect Fantilli to get done before training camp and sign a five-year deal, following the pattern of young players who hit it big multiple times on the free agent market. The question remains what his contract will actually look like.
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic joined NHL Network with Jamison Coyle, Mike Rupp, and EJ Hradek, and he believes it will come in at the five-year mark between $13 million and $13.5 million.
NHLRumors.com Transcriptions
Mike Rupp: “Any gift baskets exchanged between Columbus and the Chicago Blackhawks? Because I’ll tell you what, like when we see some of these contracts signed, if I’m a fan base, you just touched on it. It makes me nervous for our guy. But to see Connor Bedard signed for that kind of brings it back a little bit and gets things a little bit more in a palpable situation where you can deal with it. Where do you think the magic number lies with him?”
NHL Rumors: What Will Adam Fantilli Make on His Next Deal in Columbus?
Aaron Portzline: “I’ve been saying Rupper like $13 million-$13.5 million. I’m sure the ask is $14 million-ish and around there, and I would assume correctly that the ask changed when (Leo) Carlsson signed his offer sheet. I’m guessing the Blue Jackets may have changed theirs, or at least wiggled a bit then as well, but didn’t really make a big move that got something done, obviously.
But then Bedard happened, and I think it becomes easier to say Bedard’s $15 million is Fantilli’s $12.5 million. Is it $13.5 million? My sense is it’s a five-year deal. If I had to bet, I’d say it’s between $13 million and $13.5 million per season, and I bet it gets done the first week of September. But we shall see, as it often is with these things.”
Again, the Blue Jackets do not want this to drag out and have Adam Fantilli miss training camp. The sooner this deal is signed, the better. Given Elvis Merzlikins just had successful shoulder surgery and will start the season on LTIR, the Blue Jackets have the extra dollars to get this deal and be cap compliant once the season starts.
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