F Adam Fantilli - Univ. of Michigan, NCAA (2023 Draft)

[ponder]

Through all the difficulties, he still has 3 points in 3 games. He looks like he is fighting it though

He looks about how most 2nd-4th overall picks look for Team Canada in their draft years. Actually, most 2nd-4th overall picks don’t make team Canada at all in their draft years, but the ones who do are rarely more impactful than Fantilli.

I think he’s been fine, a solid positive contributor. Honestly, I think people’s expectations are just a bit skewed by Bedard, who is very likely gonna break records for the highest scoring draft-eligible WJC ever. Being a solid but unspectacular contributor as a draft eligible player for Team Canada is good.

I’m trying to think of a draft eligible Canadian forward, who DIDN’T go 1st overall, that performed much better at the WJC than Fantilli currently is. Anyone got any semi-recent ones? Mostly they don’t make the team at all - Marner, Seguin, PLD, Dach, Strome, etc. And the ones who do, like Byfield, Wright (the COVID shortened/canceled WJC), Sam Reinhart, none that I can remember watching have been significantly better than Fantilli so far.

 

[Mathieukferland]

He looks about how most 2nd-4th overall picks look for Team Canada in their draft years. Actually, most 2nd-4th overall picks don’t make team Canada at all in their draft years, but the ones who do are rarely more impactful than Fantilli.

I think he’s been fine, a solid positive contributor. Honestly, I think people’s expectations are just a bit skewed by Bedard, who is very likely gonna break records for the highest scoring draft-eligible WJC ever. Being a solid but unspectacular contributor as a draft eligible player for Team Canada is good.

My point of comparison for him (and who I was keen to see how he compared to) was Eichel in 2015; similar CV. Though Eichel’s point production wasn’t shattering he was certainly much more impactful and dangerous than Fantilli has been so far

 

[ponder]

My point of comparison for him (and who I was keen to see how he compared to) was Eichel in 2015; similar CV. Though Eichel’s point production wasn’t shattering he was certainly much more impactful and dangerous than Fantilli has been so far

Yeah, he’s definitely not as dynamic as Eichel, doesn’t have the explosive talent. He’s more of a smart, skilled player who just makes a positive impact all over the ice, less flashily. Think a Mason McTavish, Beniers, Larkin type. Doesn’t mean he won’t be a very good NHL player, though.

 

[HanSolo]

Why are you moving the goalposts? You responded to someone saying a PPG player as a 20 year old in the AHL is good (who was responding to someone saying he isn't very good) and now you're talking about potential career projections based entirely on speculation to support a point you're defending that no one is making.

If you want to say you think Stutzle was, and will continue to be, the correct pick, go for it. I'd agree. That has nothing to do with what the poster was saying though.

I think you're taking this a touch too seriously. I'm not saying one way or the other how Byfield is going to turn out and it's not about moving goalposts. I'm just saying being a point per game is not the most remarkable evidence that Byfield is still to be considered good. There are players who end up a PPG in the AHL and don't even get serious looks in the NHL. Granted, usually they're not as young as Byfield typically but to me I read the post and I'm just like "okay, and?"

 

[prongertheman9]

I kind of get Taylor Hall vibes from Fantilli. Where all the tools are there, especially the speed, but the the brain can’t process the game at the pace at which he plays. Albeit I’ve only seen full games of his at the U-18’s and WJC. For those more familiar with his game from USHL/NCAA: Does he have layers to to his game eg) the ability to slow it down and play cerebrally or does he always play this borderline out of control style that relies on overwhelming his opponents with his physical gifts?

 

[Future]

People are too hard on him. I remember Mackinnon had similar questions at the WJC in his draft year when he was being outplayed by Drouin. He went on to have an excellent rookie year and later developed into a superstar.

I think too much stock is put into this tournament in general. People looking at Bedard’s numbers and compare him to McDavid when in reality I don’t think he’ll ever be close to him in the NHL.

 

[Mathieukferland]

People are too hard on him. I remember Mackinnon had similar questions at the WJC in his draft year when he was being outplayed by Drouin. He went on to have an excellent rookie year and later developed into a superstar.

I think too much stock is put into this tournament in general. People looking at Bedard’s numbers and comparing him to McDavid when in reality he’s not even close to that level.

Bédard is obviously in a class apart but I thought he played his best game last night and outplayed Leo Carlsson

 

[GermanSpitfire]

People are too hard on him. I remember Mackinnon had similar questions at the WJC in his draft year when he was being outplayed by Drouin. He went on to have an excellent rookie year and later developed into a superstar.

I think too much stock is put into this tournament in general. People looking at Bedard’s numbers and comparing him to McDavid when in reality he’s not even close to that level.

Personally the issues stem from the fact he is an '04 - so he is an 18-year-old for this tournament. He shouldn't be copared to guys like Bedard or Mackinnon in their draft years, he should be compared to guys like Cozens, or McTavish as 18 year olds.

MacKinnon was a 17-year-old at the time and there should be zero expectations for 17-year-olds for this tournament - anything above the bare minimum should be treated as a positive in my opinion. It is a tournament dominated by 18 and 19-year-olds after all.

 

[Kalv]

Ah yes PPG as a 20 year old in the AHL is soooooo bad. Everyone who properly follows the draft knew it’ll be a long game with QB and that’s ok

It's more about the fact that meanwhile Jimmy Stutzle is a PPG player in the NHL. Not about QB itself. I hope QB succeeds but you're making stuff up if you're not raising some eyebrows on that pick.

Anyway... Fantilli has a muvh larger track record in the NCAA to put much trouble on his production in the WJC. However, watching him play I am not seeing the line-driver traits from him. For example, I've liked Leo Karlsson better

 

[TheBeastCoast]

Has been any noticeably worse from a Carlsson or Sale so far? It is pretty obvious that any comparison to Bedard is silly but I think people shouldn't try and extrapolate that as some kind of condemnation on his future. You can see all the exceptional tools he does have just hasn't been able to put it all together. Like I said last night I think he would probably do well with another year in school. A big strong center that can skate like he skates is going to be a hell of a player once it clicks.

 

[bigdog16]

I kind of get Taylor Hall vibes from Fantilli. Where all the tools are there, especially the speed, but the the brain can’t process the game at the pace at which he plays. Albeit I’ve only seen full games of his at the U-18’s and WJC. For those more familiar with his game from USHL/NCAA: Does he have layers to to his game eg) the ability to slow it down and play cerebrally or does he always play this borderline out of control style that relies on overwhelming his opponents with his physical gifts?

Actually a good comparison. Fantilli probably has a little more power and strength to his game though.

 

[Future]

Personally the issues stem from the fact he is an '04 - so he is an 18-year-old for this tournament. He shouldn't be copared to guys like Bedard or Mackinnon in their draft years, he should be compared to guys like Cozens, or McTavish as 18 year olds.

MacKinnon was a 17-year-old at the time and there should be zero expectations for 17-year-olds for this tournament - anything above the bare minimum should be treated as a positive in my opinion. It is a tournament dominated by 18 and 19-year-olds after all.

That’s a fair point. I just think the significance of it all is a bit overstated.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Bédard is obviously in a class apart but I thought he played his best game last night and outplayed Leo Carlsson

I don't think he outplayed Leo Carlsson at all.

What was apparent to me is that Fantilli is more physically developed and is a better skater.. but Leo's skills and mind were ahead.

I think once Leo matures physically, he's going to be better than Fantilli who relies on physical gifts but doesn't seem to think the game at a high level.

 

[Corso]

I don't think he outplayed Leo Carlsson at all.

What was apparent to me is that Fantilli is more physically developed and is a better skater.. but Leo's skills and mind were ahead.

I think once Leo matures physically, he's going to be better than Fantilli who relies on physical gifts but doesn't seem to think the game at a high level.

Sorry not seeing that at all. Now mind you I haven't seen any of Carlsson's games prior this tourney but in the game that I did see, Fantilli looked better in just about every aspect.

 

[Gold Standard]

He looks about how most 2nd-4th overall picks look for Team Canada in their draft years. Actually, most 2nd-4th overall picks don’t make team Canada at all in their draft years, but the ones who do are rarely more impactful than Fantilli.

I think he’s been fine, a solid positive contributor. Honestly, I think people’s expectations are just a bit skewed by Bedard, who is very likely gonna break records for the highest scoring draft-eligible WJC ever. Being a solid but unspectacular contributor as a draft eligible player for Team Canada is good.

I’m trying to think of a draft eligible Canadian forward, who DIDN’T go 1st overall, that performed much better at the WJC than Fantilli currently is. Anyone got any semi-recent ones? Mostly they don’t make the team at all - Marner, Seguin, PLD, Dach, Strome, etc. And the ones who do, like Byfield, Wright (the COVID shortened/canceled WJC), Sam Reinhart, none that I can remember watching have been significantly better than Fantilli so far.

I think he's been okay. in terms of production he is right where I thought he would be. He'll be more impactful next year. As long as he doesn't make the stupid decision to be a one and done college player. Do yourself a favor, stay at Michigan. would be my advice to him.

 

[FireBird71]

I think he's been okay. in terms of production he is right where I thought he would be. He'll be more impactful next year. As long as he doesn't make the stupid decision to be a one and done college player. Do yourself a favor, stay at Michigan. would be my advice to him.

I’m thinking eveyone of significance will be back at Michigan next season. With whose coming in and getting Nazar back…another strong team

 

[WayneGretzky]

No way this kid goes 2nd. Carlsson for sure if the draft was today.

 

[King Makar19]

Top 3 ouch... poor draft after Bedard. Carlsonn

 

[WayneGretzky]

Top 3 ouch... poor draft after Bedard. Carlsonn

Still a strong draft…but there was some talk of Fantilli & Bedard being in the same stratosphere…get rid of that notion.

 

[Just Linda]

People need to chill a bit.

Drouin played a key role at the world Juniors while MacKinnon played a 4th line role.

 

[Juxtaposer]

People need to chill a bit.

Drouin played a key role at the world Juniors while MacKinnon played a 4th line role.

Absolutely, a lot of people had Drouin ahead of Mackinnon after their draft year WJC. Not that Bedard is Drouin, obviously, but that a sub-par WJC shouldn’t be a reason for anyone to change their opinion on Fantilli or think it’ll affect his draft status.

 

[wetcoast]

I think he's been okay. in terms of production he is right where I thought he would be. He'll be more impactful next year. As long as he doesn't make the stupid decision to be a one and done college player. Do yourself a favor, stay at Michigan. would be my advice to him.

Exactly he looks a little bit behind in this tournament, which isn't a knock it's reality for most draft eligible players and would do well to stay in college and develop his overall game.

 

[Kshahdoo]

Top 3 ouch... poor draft after Bedard. Carlsonn

Michkov scores goals in the KHL though... I mean he's scored more goals in 4 KHL games than Fantilli in 5 WJC games... And Fantilli played vs such powerhouses as Germany and Austria.

 

[nbwingsfan]

He looks about how most 2nd-4th overall picks look for Team Canada in their draft years. Actually, most 2nd-4th overall picks don’t make team Canada at all in their draft years, but the ones who do are rarely more impactful than Fantilli.

I think he’s been fine, a solid positive contributor. Honestly, I think people’s expectations are just a bit skewed by Bedard, who is very likely gonna break records for the highest scoring draft-eligible WJC ever. Being a solid but unspectacular contributor as a draft eligible player for Team Canada is good.

I’m trying to think of a draft eligible Canadian forward, who DIDN’T go 1st overall, that performed much better at the WJC than Fantilli currently is. Anyone got any semi-recent ones? Mostly they don’t make the team at all - Marner, Seguin, PLD, Dach, Strome, etc. And the ones who do, like Byfield, Wright (the COVID shortened/canceled WJC), Sam Reinhart, none that I can remember watching have been significantly better than Fantilli so far.

Most top draft picks do make it to TC when they’re a late birthday like Fantilli is.

 

[QJL]

For the folks in this thread who have said they would take Fantilli 1OA over Bedard (as of this season’s start)…

What is your current stance?

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