Adam Fantilli must be a target for Kent Hughes

This morning on BPM Sports, Anthony Marcotte floated an idea that's interesting for the Canadiens.

What if Kent Hughes called the Columbus Blue Jackets to see if the excellent Adam Fantilli might be an option on the trade market?

Why not!

Kent Hughes' job is to talk to the other 31 teams to see who might be available. It's about discussing players who aren't necessarily on the market (at least not publicly), but who could help.

And clearly, Fantilli falls into that category.

Drafted two spots ahead of David Reinbacher, Fantilli is a 6'2”, 21-year-old center who's developing well. He's on his way to becoming a star player.

He's a left-hander and weighs over 200 pounds. Oh, and he's Canadian, too. #Ontario

It's unclear whether the Blue Jackets would let him go. On paper, they have no reason to want to part ways with a young talent who won't turn 22 until the start of next season.

But what could be a game-changer is his contract situation.

Will the young player, who becomes a restricted free agent on Wednesday, ask for too much—from the Blue Jackets' perspective—for his second NHL contract?

Will he, like Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko, express his desire not to sign a long-term deal with Columbus?

Of course, the Blue Jackets are far from being forced to trade him. He isn't two years away from unrestricted free agency like his teammates, and the club still has time. The young player doesn't have much leverage right now.

But if he were to refuse a long-term deal in Ohio and the Canadiens came along with an outrageous offer—both in terms of money and the compensation required from the Blue Jackets—could Columbus's GM and his player decide it's worth it?

I'm certainly not saying that's likely. But at a time when Don Waddell has no choice but to think about building his team differently because of stars who don't want to stay long-term, he can't close any doors.

To be continued.

In a nutshell

– Something to watch in Toronto.

– A Lane Hutson effect at the draft? [JdeM]

– Mason McTavish: The Rangers wanted him.

Darren Dreger: The Rangers…according to my sources, basically thought they were closing in on a deal for Mason McTavish from Anaheim [Thursday] night – Barn Burner (6/26)

— NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) June 29, 2026