The top prize in the 2023 NHL Draft is going to be Connor Bedard. And thanks to the results of the draft lottery, he is heading to Chicago, barring a trade. And while it is unlikely that the Blackhawks would trade away the top spot, you never know when a team like St. Louis has three first rounders waiting. The truth is, you never know exactly what will happen. And for a team like the Philadelphia Flyers, that means a there are a lot of opportunities for them.
Among them is talented prospect Adam Fantilli. Fantilli is a 6’2″, 185 lbs center from Nobleton, Ontario. And if it weren’t for Bedard, he might be the top pick in this draft.
In two seasons for the Chicago Steel of the USHL, he scored 18 goals in 49 games in 2020-21 and 37 goals in 54 games the following year. This past year, he starred on the Univ. of Michigan team with 30 goals and 25 assists in just 36 games. His 1.81 points-per-game average in college is the third-highest scoring mark in NCAA history behind Johnny Gaudreau (2.00) and Kyle Connor (1.87).
During the 2023 Big Ten Men’s ice hockey tournament, he set two Big Ten records: most goals in a tournament (7) and most points (11). He was subsequently named tournament MVP. After his first collegiate season, he was awarded both the Tim Taylor Award and the Hobey Baker Award. That’s an impressive start to his career.
Of him, the Hockey Writers scouts say:
"“Fantilli possesses everything a scout looks for in a top-line center. From his size, speed, and playmaking ability to his hockey IQ, puckhandling, and accurate shot, he has all the tools to be a massive difference-maker in the NHL one day. It’s only his first year in the NCAA and he’s already dotting the highlight reels with his slick one-on-one dekes, snipe show of a shot, power moves to the net and most of all, beautiful end-to-end rushes.”"
Fantilli, barring injury, is going to be a major star in this league. Most likely, he will go second overall to Anaheim or, at worst, third to Columbus. It is very, very, very unlikely, that he would slip to seventh. If by some miracle he does, snatch him and snatch him up quickly without hesitation.
But since that isn’t going to happen, Daniel Briere should at least call up Anaheim and see how committed they are to that number two spot. I know past GMs like Bobby Clarke and Paul Holmgren loved to deal away first and second rounders as if they were Oreo cookies that they wanted to share with their friends. Draft picks are something that should be stockpiled and saved at all costs….UNLESS a great opportunity presents itself.
IF Anaheim or Columbus (if Anaheim passes on him), are willing to deal that pick away, for other picks, prospects, or veterans, I’d listen to it. Fantilli would bring a type of speed and energy the Flyers are lacking and could be a game changer; especially playing along side guys like Cutter Gauthier and Owen Tippett. Fantilli would be a great foundational piece. So, if an opportunity presents itself for the Flyers to possibly move up to the number two spot…TAKE IT! Fortune favors the bold!