The Boston Bruins are heading into a critical season. Last season’s trade deadline selloff was an indication that the club is going through a transition. Selling off veterans on large contracts has paved the way for a younger crop of players to hit the NHL.
That situation promises to usher in a new era of winning in Boston. However, there’s one crucial piece the Bruins are missing: A top-line center. Pavel Zacha and Elias Lindholm, try as they have, don’t quite fit the bill.
The Bruins need a true number-one forward to play with David Pastrnak. That potential franchise player could be Adam Fantilli.
Fantilli is heading into the final year of his entry-level deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets. That situation means the 20-year-old will need a new contract for next season and beyond. However, he hasn’t signed an extension despite being eligible to do so since July 1.
That uncertainty could prompt the Blue Jackets to trade Fantilli if they feel unlikely to re-sign him.
Here’s what the proposed trade could look like:
Bruins get:
Adam Fantilli, F
Blue Jackets get:
Pavel Zacha, F
Fabian Lysell, F
2026 first-round pick
The Bruins would be sending Zacha, as the Blue Jackets will need a center to take up Fantilli’s spot in the lineup. Also, Fabian Lysell has been a hot name in Bruins’ trade rumors. So, the Blue Jackets could grab him to bolster their prospect pool.
As for the first-rounder, the Bruins have two. However, the Blue Jackets may insist on the Bruins’ pick and not the one belonging to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Bruins Find Center to Play with Pastrnak in Fantilli
The Bruins don’t have an elite-level center who could play with David Pastrnak at the moment. That situation would change by including Fantilli in the mix. The third-overall pick from the 2023 NHL Draft could fill that void.
Fantilli has a solid combination of speed and size. He can move the puck very well and could complement Pastrnak’s all-world scoring touch. Seeing a Bruins’ top line of Morgan Geekie, Adam Fantilli, and David Pastrnak would make fans erupt in excitement.
Plus, Fantilli is only 20. His age would allow the Bruins to build around their new franchise center. Given that 2025 top pick James Hagens is in the pipeline, the Bruins could have a one-two punch of Fantilli and Hagens in about two to three seasons.
Fantilli Would Still Need a Contract in Boston
Fantilli is set to become an RFA next summer. That means the Bruins would need to ink him to a new contract. That seems like a straightforward shot. Boston has cap space. According to PuckPedia, the Bruins have $2 million at the moment. Moving Zacha would free up another $4.75 million. Then, the rising cap would give the Bruins another $9 million or so.
Even if the Bruins signed Fantilli to a deal with a $10 million AAV, the club would still have enough cap space to round out the roster. That situation makes this trade proposal a no-brainer.
If the Columbus Blue Jackets get desperate enough to move Fantilli, the Bruins would do well to pounce on the opportunity.
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