Adam Fantilli's next contract could force Rick Bowness and the Columbus Blue Jackets into a major roster decision.
Fantilli remains a restricted free agent and is still eligible to sign an offer sheet, making his extension the biggest unfinished file in Columbus.
Aaron Portzline expects a 5-year agreement worth between $13,000,000 and $14,000,000 per season. That would push Fantilli near the top of the club's payroll.
The 21-year-old earned that leverage after producing 59 points while filling the organization's first-line center role last season.
Columbus currently has roughly $14,500,000 in cap space. Once Fantilli signs, Don Waddell will have little flexibility left for another meaningful addition.
That pressure explains why Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson continue to appear in trade speculation, including repeated links to the Montreal Canadiens.
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Fantilli's $14 million deal could trigger a major Canadiens trade for Marchenko
Marchenko and Johnson will both need new contracts before the 2027-28 season. Keeping every young forward becomes harder once Fantilli's next cap hit enters the books.
Dmitri Voronkov is also scheduled to become a restricted free agent next summer, adding another negotiation to Waddell's growing list.
Marchenko carries the most immediate trade attention. Montreal has searched for another top-six scorer, and his name has remained connected to Kent Hughes throughout the offseason.
Johnson could offer a different path. His skill fits Montreal's young core, but Columbus would need a strong return before moving another offensive piece with room to grow.
Zach Werenski's future creates further uncertainty around the roster. Any major decision involving the blue line would change the financial picture and the direction of the entire club.
Fantilli's projected term also matters. A 5-year contract would follow the path taken by Connor Bedard and Leo Carlsson rather than locking the center down for the maximum length.
Bedard signed at $15,000,000 annually, while Carlsson reached $18,000,000. Fantilli's reported range would sit below both while still consuming nearly all of Columbus' current space.
The Blue Jackets can solve their biggest contract question by signing Fantilli. But once that deal is completed, the pressure may shift directly toward Marchenko, Johnson or another valuable roster piece.
Will Adam Fantilli's contract force Columbus to trade Kirill Marchenko?
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