Fantilli scored his first NHL goal in Saturday's 5-4 overtime win over Minnesota.

EDGE Analysis

He scored on a wrist shot over Filip Gustavsson's glove on the power play late in the third period. The goal gave Columbus a 4-3 lead. Fantilli is the second-youngest player in Blue Jackets history to score in his first career road game (Rostislav Klesla -- 18 years, 205 days; Oct. 12, 2000).

Fantilli notched an assist in Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

Making his NHL debut on his 19th birthday, Fantilli make a quick impact when he fired a shot at Carter Hart midway through the first period, creating a rebound that Jake Bean wired home for Columbus' first goal of the season. Fantilli added two shots, two blocked shots, a hit, five wins on 10 faceoffs and a plus-1 rating -- he was one of only three Blue Jackets with a positive rating on the night -- to his ledger in a personally successful debut, and the third overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft also saw time on the second power-play unit. The Jackets will ease their new franchise player into the league, but if his adjustment from the college ranks goes smoothly, it won't be long before Fantilli is pushing his way into a top-six role.

Fantilli collected two assists, one shorthanded, in a 4-3 overtime win over the Penguins in preseason action Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Beginning the split-squad game on a line with Patrik Laine and Alexandre Texier, Fantilli made an immediate impact in the Blue Jackets' lineup. His first helper came early in the first period after Texier slid home the rebound on a Fantilli shot, while his second highlighted both his skill and his compete level. The third overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft pounced on a loose puck in the second frame with the Jackets down a man, drew a defender to him in the Penguins' zone and then dropped a backhand pass to a wide-open Carson Meyer in the slot for Columbus' third goal of the night. The fact that new head coach Pascal Vincent is already giving Fantilli a look on the penalty kill is very encouraging for his potential usage as a rookie, and the 18-year-old seems headed for a top-six role with a strong training camp.

Fantilli scored seven points in two contests during the Traverse City Prospect Tournament and led all skaters with 15 shots on goal while playing a physical, NHL-ready two-way game, Max Bultman of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The third overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft was the standout for a deep group of Columbus prospects at the tournament. Fantilli could step right into a top-six role this season for the Blue Jackets, and while he doesn't have the upside or redraft appeal of Chicago's Connor Bedard, the 18-year-old Fantilli could still make a fantasy impact right out of the gate if he sees consistent ice time with wingers like Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine (triceps).

Fantilli signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Fantilli, the third overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, is expected to compete for a top-six role this season in Columbus after posting 30 goals and 65 points in 36 games at the University of Michigan. The 18-year-old center offers a dynamic combination of size, speed and skill that could allow him to find early success at the professional level. Fantilli is one of the top dynasty prospects this season and certainly worth monitoring in redraft leagues.