During Sunday's 4-2 loss against the Seattle Kraken, Fantili left early due to what appeared to be a severe injury. Today, insider Chris Johnston confirmed the unfortunate news: Fantilli sustained a skate laceration on his leg in the second period following a hit from Jared McCann.
With 12 goals and 27 points in 49 games this season, Fantilli's absence will be felt, as he's been a pivotal contributor to the team's offense and is fourth amongst Calder Trophy participants.
Yet, according to Blue Jackets reporter Aaron Portzline, Fantili's achilles is intact, ruling out a season-ending ACL tear.
That's good news, considering the third overall pick was seen in a walking boot with crutches as he departed the arena last night.
However, more tests await the 19-year-old upon the team's return home on Wednesday after their Tuesday road game against the St. Louis Blues.
It's just adding to the mess haunting last-place Columbus (15-24-10) this year. On top of Fantilli's injury, the Blue Jackets are currently dealing with other challenges. Forward Patrik Laine recently entered the NHL/NHL Players' Association Player Assistance Program, sidelining him since sustaining a broken clavicle in December.
Meanwhile, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins has stirred the pot by requesting a trade. And prospect David Jiricek isn't too pleased with how the organization has managed his situation this season. He's been bouncing between the NHL, sitting out as a healthy scratch, and the AHL more than he'd like. It's just another layer of frustration for the Blue Jackets.
POLL | ||
JANVIER 30 | 60 ANSWERS Major Update on Adam Fantilli Following Terrifying Skate Blade Cut How concerned are you about Adam Fantilli's injury? | ||
Very concerned | 20 | 33.3 % |
Somewhat concerned | 18 | 30 % |
Not Concerned | 22 | 36.7 % |
LIST OF POLLS |
G | A | PTS | ||
Complete stats |
STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 82 | 56 | 22 | 4 | 116 | |
Capitals | 82 | 51 | 22 | 9 | 111 | |
Golden Knights | 82 | 50 | 22 | 10 | 110 | |
Maple Leafs | 82 | 52 | 26 | 4 | 108 | |
Stars | 82 | 50 | 26 | 6 | 106 | |
Kings | 82 | 48 | 25 | 9 | 105 | |
Avalanche | 82 | 49 | 29 | 4 | 102 | |
Lightning | 82 | 47 | 27 | 8 | 102 | |
Oilers | 82 | 48 | 29 | 5 | 101 | |
Hurricanes | 82 | 47 | 30 | 5 | 99 | |
Conference | Cumulative |