Blue Jackets Coach, Teammates Not Worried About Unsigned Adam Fantilli as Camp Opens

Everyone knew it was coming.

As soon as 2026 Columbus Blue Jackets Media Day opened, the main topic of discussion with GM Don Waddell was going to be Adam Fantilli. While there were some updates shared including a new offer being presented within 24 hours of the press conference, it was what some others said that really stood out.

Ultimately, the contract itself may not be finished yet. But Fantilli has the full confidence of his general manager, his head coach and the reigning Norris Trophy winner.

Whenever the contract is signed, Fantilli will show up ready to work. When he does, more responsibility will be waiting for him.

Team Not Worried

After Waddell opened Media Day, Rick Bowness went to the podium. He opened up about a conversation he had with Fantilli.

With strong conviction, Bowness quickly put the possibility of worry to rest.

“Mo called me last night and we had a great conversation,” Bowness said. “His heart’s in the right place. He loves being here. He loves being a Blue Jacket. And as I told him, I’m not worried about him one bit.”

“When he comes here, mentally and physically, he’ll be ready to go. He’s worked incredibly hard all summer. We had a great end of year meeting. He wanted more responsibility. We’re going to give it to him. There’s no question about that. He’s ready for it.”

Zach Werenski, who is close with Fantilli as they work out together, echoed the same feelings as Bowness did. There is no worry.

“I talked to him quite a bit. I know how bad he wants to be here,” Werenski said. “We obviously want him here. We understand there’s a business to it and it’s never fun when stuff like this happens I’m sure on both sides.”

“We know he’s itching to get back here and be around the guys. We know how hard he’s working back in Michigan, I think. Once it gets done, we’re not worried at all how he’ll look. We just obviously want him here.”

Waddell Reflects on Fantilli

Both the Blue Jackets and Fantilli’s camp have presented offers and counteroffers throughout the summer. While a gap remains, Waddell knows the importance of closing this deal as soon as possible.

“This is the business side of our sport,” Waddell said. Is there a difference of the value that we put on the player versus what they’re putting on him? Yes. That’s why we don’t have a contract done yet … The offer sheet definitely changed the marketplace a little bit. From where we were earlier in the summer to where we are now, we’ve come up quite a bit.”

Fantilli was one of the players that took the end of last season the hardest. He didn’t play his best hockey. Waddell saw and acknowledged just how much Fantilli cares about being on the Blue Jackets.

“Adam was one of the players at the end of the season who was hurt most by not making the playoffs and thought he could have played better,” Waddell said. “I know what he means to this franchise. I know how much he cares about this franchise.”

As camp opens on Thursday morning, Fantilli won’t be on the ice. Many on the outside will look at the situation as panic. But on the inside, the Blue Jackets from the manager down to the locker room don’t share those same feelings.

Waddell remains confident something will get finished in short order.

“Do I get worried about it? No,” Waddell said. “I feel pretty confident that it’s going to get done. I know Adam wants to be here. He’s echoed that.”