Top of the lottery prospects: Adam Fantilli still lighting up the NCAA

1 year ago  /  Second City Hockey

John Mersits / USA TODAY NETWORK


He’s done nothing to hurt his draft stock since our last update. Adam Fantilli has only played in three games since the last update, but he continued his prolific production in those games with seven points (2 G, 5 A). This pushed his points-per-game rate up to 1.88, distancing himself further from Jack Eichel’s 1.78 pace during his Hobey Baker-winning season at Boston as the best player in college hockey.


NCAA prospects F and DAdam Fantilli beast Eichel pic.twitter.com/z4PI8KBYD1— Thibaud Chatel (@Thibaud_Chatel) February 10, 2023



He also extended his point streak to nine games — with seven goals and 13 assists in that span — since returning from the World Juniors.


Adam Fantilli has been on an absolute bender since returning from the WJC. With 1+1 so far tonight, he's extended his point streak to 9 games. He has 7 goals and 20 points over that span. pic.twitter.com/ru8uQQBhXg— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) February 11, 2023



The first five of those seven points came in back-to-back victories against Wisconsin, and Fantilli contributed to nearly 40 percent of the 13 goals scored by Michigan. Only his linemate, Gavin Brindley, had as many points in those two games, with the two trading assists on each other’s goals.


Brindley breakaway and Fantilli finish! It’s 2-1 Michigan #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/GLI6iOE9W2— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) February 4, 2023





Gavin Brindley hat trick watch is ON! pic.twitter.com/vdjoMemYrc— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) February 4, 2023



Fantill also showed off his transition ability throughout the two games, including an almost Patrick Kane-like zone entry and pass to a trailing player combination on this goal:


Draft stock for Gavin Brindley pic.twitter.com/zsqJMTcsYb— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) February 5, 2023



In his most recent game, against Michigan State, Fantilli got attention for more than just his production: he received his first ejection for fighting. Unfortunately, he also ended up receiving a game disqualification which resulted in an automatic one-game suspension. After being nearly top-20 in the USHL in penalty minutes (93) last season, discipline was an area of concern for Fantilli, but this is the first major altercation for him this season.


The scene from East Lansing that resulted in 18 penalty minutes and two ejections, including Adam Fantilli.pic.twitter.com/ZLXd539wQX— EVERYTHING COLLEGE HOCKEY (@TeamECH) February 11, 2023





Adam Fantilli scores, gets an assist, gets thrown out of the game for fighting and does this to the MSU crowd after. pic.twitter.com/5p5I3b94Le— Nathan “Grav" (@NathanGraviteh) February 11, 2023



In addition to the fight above, Fantilli picked up an assist and goal during the MSU game, completing the Gordie Howe Hat Trick.


Adam Fantilli with a rip from the high slot puts Michigan up 2-0 pic.twitter.com/2rgBB6bN7g— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) February 11, 2023



Michigan coach Brandon Naurato, who recently spoke to The Athletic’s Corey Masisak, had some high praise for Fantilli as a player:
“He is special. He can fly. He can rip it. He’s nasty. I bet he can fight. He can hit. He’s physical. He’s really hard defensively. He’s created a ton off the forecheck for us. He plays hard defensively. You look at these top guys who are ultra skilled, when they come into their own and hit their prime and really learn how to check, guys like (Sidney) Crosby and (Henrik) Zetterberg and (Pavel) Datsyuk — those guys brought it all. They weren’t just point guys. I think that’s going to be Adam’s best attribute.”
For more commentary from Naurato and Fantilli about the latter, check out the full article here.


“He is special. He can fly. He can rip it. He’s nasty. I bet he can fight. He can hit. He’s physical.” — Michigan coach Brandon Naurato on Adam FantilliFantilli was ejected tonight against Michigan State for fighting https://t.co/CPSuT0S6iC— Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) February 11, 2023



Although Michigan beat Michigan State without Fantilli, the top-line center was obviously missed and it was a closer game than usual, with the Wolverines needing overtime to secure the 4-3 win. It was also noted that Fantill was seen with a brace on his wrist while sitting out for his suspension — hopefully a precautionary measure that won’t impact his current momentum.


Adam Fantilli, a spectator for tonight’s game after being disqualified in last nights match for fighting Nash Nienhuis with a brace on his wrist. Interesting to see if that’ll affect his status moving forward or if it’s just precautionary.— Ryan Radosevich (@ryanradosevich) February 12, 2023



One final note: Fantilli was named the National Player of the Month for January. As mentioned before, it’s almost impossible that anyone will ever touch Paul Kariya’s historical 2.56 PPG pace as a freshmen back in the 1992-93 season, but Fantilli’s production is still very impressive.


Adam Fantilli is the National Player of the Month!Fantilli led the nation in scoring during January, averaging 2.33 ppg. He scored five goals and nine assists in six games - all against top 10 opponents.#GoBlue〽️ pic.twitter.com/WSoH8HSG7k— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) February 7, 2023



...

Read Full Article.