Overview
- As of Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, the Blue Jackets and restricted free agent Adam Fantilli had not reached a contract, and he is expected to miss the start of training camp.
- General manager Don Waddell said he will send Fantilli’s representation a proposal within 24 hours and expressed confidence a resolution will come in the near future.
- Head coach Rick Bowness confirmed Fantilli will not be signed in time for camp and said Fantilli personally called to express disappointment about the delay.
- Columbus has about $11.7 million in projected salary-cap space while reports place Fantilli’s camp near a $15 million average annual value, creating the roughly $3.3 million shortfall that may require roster moves such as trading Kirill Marchenko.
- Fantilli is a rising 1C who scored 24 goals and 59 points last season, and missing camp risks disrupting his integration into the team and Columbus’s preparations in the early season, a concern staffers and analysts tied to past cases of missed camp time.