Adam Fantilli vs. Leo Carlsson After Their First Head-to-Head Matchup – The Hockey Writers –

In the summer of 2023, the Columbus Blue Jackets were ready for their consolation prize of the third overall pick after finishing with the second-worst points in the NHL that season. After failing yet again to win the draft lottery, the Blue Jackets knew that the top pick of Connor Bedard would be gone. Leading up to the day of the draft, Adam Fantilli was projected by most to be picked by the Anaheim Ducks. The Blue Jackets were being reported as picking between Leo Carlsson and Will Smith, with some reports indicating that they preferred Smith.

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When the day of the draft came, rumors started swirling that the Ducks might actually take Carlsson with the second pick. Sure enough, when the Ducks took the stage, they selected Carlsson, with the Blue Jackets grabbing Fantilli immediately after. It was a bit of a surprise to many, but both teams walked away feeling that they had their center of the future. These two players will most likely be compared to each other throughout their whole careers, so let’s take a look at where they both are today.

First Meeting

Even though both Carlsson and Fantilli played significant time for their respective teams, they weren’t able to match up against each other in the two games that the Ducks and Blue Jackets played last season. Carlsson missed their first meeting when he was having his load managed, while Fantilli missed the next meeting due to his calf laceration.

Finally, the two were able to meet for the first time on Nov. 10, 2024, almost a year after their debuts. The Ducks edged out the Blue Jackets 4-2, despite the Blue Jackets outshooting them 40-29. Carlsson had a good night, scoring the game-winning goal and finishing with a plus-1 rating. Fantilli was moved to the top line, playing with Sean Monahan and Kirill Marchenko. His elevated position unfortunately didn’t translate to any offensive production. He finished the night with no points, zero shots on goal, and an even plus/minus rating.

Leo Carlsson

After selecting Carlsson, Ducks’ general manager Pat Verbeek said it was his hockey IQ, creativity, and two-way game that led the Ducks to believe he would be the best pick for them. They had taken center Mason McTavish in the 2021 Draft, and he plays a more physical game, which may have led them to value the skill and playmaking…