Michigan forward Adam Fantilli (19) John Mersits / USA TODAY NETWORK

Top NHL draft prospect hints one fan base wants him more than the others

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 3/28/23

Michigan Wolverines center Adam Fantilli is projected to be a top-five pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

And though four teams are within three points of the top spot in the NHL draft lottery, Fantilli implied during a recent interview on ESPN’s “The Drop” that one fan base has been courting him more heavily than any other.

“The comment section on Instagram is pretty funny, (so are) some DMs on Instagram,” Fantilli said. “Montreal has got some pretty funny fans. [Fans from NHL teams recruiting me on social media] happens sometimes.”

We talk about Connor Bedard a lot. It’s warranted, he’s super elite.

However, Adam Fantilli is going to be an amazing consolation prize for whoever wins the second lottery.

He is supreme

pic.twitter.com/4lTE47BjA8
— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) March 25, 2023

The Montreal Canadiens have the fifth-best odds (8.5%) of obtaining the No. 1 overall pick in June’s draft. With 66 points, Montreal trails the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets and San Jose Sharks for the worst record in the NHL.

While Western Hockey League forward Connor Bedard is expected to be the top pick in this year’s draft, Fantilli is projected to be the No. 2 pick. The 18-year-old freshman leads Michigan in goals (29), points (64), shots (140), power play goals (10), game-winning goals (four), plus/minus rating (+32), and he ranks second on the team with 34 assists.

When Michigan needed a goal, of course, it's Adam Fantilli.

Make it 29 goals and 64 points in 35 NCAA games. pic.twitter.com/wm8NZmXk9b
— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) March 27, 2023

A finalist for the Big Ten Player of the Year, Fantilli leads the NCAA in scoring and has the second-most goals, fifth-most assists and sixth-most power-play goals in college hockey. He is a finalist for the Hobey Baker award, given annually to the top player in college hockey.

Fantilli also won a gold medal with Team Canada during the 2023 IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, scoring five goals and seven points in the tournament.

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