SHOCKING BLOCKBUSTER: Bruins Land Franchise Center Adam Fantilli in Massive Trade with Blue Jackets!
In a move that could reshape the future of both teams, the Boston Bruins are reportedly on the verge of landing a top-tier franchise center in a blockbuster trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets. If the trade goes through, the Bruins will acquire Adam Fantilli, one of the most exciting young talents in the NHL, and solve a key issue that has plagued the team for years — finding a true number-one center to pair with David Pastrnak.
The Bruins are heading into a critical season, having made several roster changes following last year’s trade deadline selloff. While these moves have set the stage for a younger and more dynamic squad, there is still one glaring hole on the roster: a top-line center. Pavel Zacha and Elias Lindholm, though valuable contributors, haven’t been able to fill the void as the true number-one center the Bruins need.
Enter Adam Fantilli, the 20-year-old phenom who was drafted third overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. As Fantilli enters the final year of his entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets, there’s increasing uncertainty about his future in Columbus. Despite being eligible for a contract extension since July 1, Fantilli has yet to sign one, and the Blue Jackets may be forced to move him if they believe they cannot re-sign him in the near future.
The Proposed Trade:
Bruins receive:
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Adam Fantilli, F
Blue Jackets receive:
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Pavel Zacha, F
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Fabian Lysell, F
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2026 first-round pick
This trade would see the Bruins send Pavel Zacha to Columbus to take over the center role vacated by Fantilli. Zacha, a versatile forward, would help fill the gap for the Blue Jackets as they continue to develop their young roster. Additionally, Fabian Lysell, a promising Bruins prospect, would add value to Columbus' already solid pipeline. To further entice the Blue Jackets, the Bruins would include their 2026 first-round pick, though Columbus may prefer Boston’s own pick over the one belonging to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Fantilli: The Perfect Fit for the Bruins
The Bruins have long struggled to find an elite center who could complement Pastrnak's scoring prowess. With Adam Fantilli in the fold, that issue could finally be resolved. Fantilli possesses a perfect blend of size and speed, with a smooth skating stride and exceptional vision. His ability to move the puck would pair seamlessly with Pastrnak's goal-scoring touch, creating an explosive top line for the Bruins.
At just 20 years old, Fantilli's arrival would be a massive boost to the Bruins' offense, giving them a legitimate center to anchor their top line for the long term. With his skill set, Fantilli could quickly develop into a key figure for Boston, and with James Hagens—the top 2025 pick—on the horizon, the Bruins could form an elite one-two punch down the road, solidifying their future.
Fantilli Would Still Need a Contract in Boston
The next step in making this deal work would be securing Fantilli’s future in Boston. As an RFA next summer, the Bruins would need to sign him to an extension. With roughly $2 million in cap space, moving Zacha would free up an additional $4.75 million, creating enough room to sign Fantilli to a lucrative deal. The rising cap over the next few years would provide the Bruins with even more flexibility, allowing them to comfortably offer Fantilli a contract with an average annual value (AAV) around $10 million.
Even with this significant contract, the Bruins would still have ample cap space to fill out the roster, making this trade an easy decision if the Blue Jackets are ready to move on from their young star.
A Golden Opportunity for the Bruins
If the Blue Jackets grow increasingly desperate to trade Fantilli, the Bruins need to act fast. With a deep roster and championship aspirations, adding a young franchise center like Fantilli could immediately elevate their offensive capabilities. Not only would it fill a critical need, but it would also give the Bruins the foundation for long-term success. With his skill set and age, Fantilli could become the centerpiece of the team for years to come.
"Joining the Bruins would be an incredible opportunity. They’re a team with a rich history and a real shot at winning. I want to be part of something special, and I believe Boston can give me that chance. It’s an exciting time, and I’m ready to take the next step in my career," Fantilli said, eager for the next chapter of his career.
The Bruins have the opportunity to secure a game-changing player in Fantilli — if the Blue Jackets are willing to make the deal. If this blockbuster trade goes through, it could be the missing piece the Bruins need to push for a Stanley Cup in the near future.
#AdamFantilli #BostonBruins #NHLTrade #BlueJackets #PavelZacha #FabianLysell #NHLRumors #TradeNews
“FRUSTRATION BOILS OVER” — Bryce Young SLAMS Helmet in Fiery Sideline Outburst as Panthers Collapse 26-10 in Week 1
‘Frustrating day’ for Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers in season-opener
The Carolina Panthers responded to a 17-point halftime deficit by driving to the doorstep of a touchdown on the first possession of the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
On third-and-2 at the Jacksonville 6-yard line, Carolina running back Chuba Hubbard gained 1 yard on a draw. On fourth down, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young failed to connect with wide receiver Xavier Legette.
As the Carolina QB came off the field, Panthers coach Dave Canales patted him on the head and shoulder and said something to the former Alabama All-American. Young’s response was to slam his helmet to the ground and say something over his shoulder.
It was that kind of game for the Panthers, who opened the 2025 NFL season with a 26-10 loss to the Jaguars.
Young said he wasn’t mad at his coach.
“Just competitive nature,” Young said. “That’s all. Probably could do a better job – definitely could do a better job with body language there. It’s on me, but, you know, just competing and that’s all.”
Canales said frustration was the theme of the day in a game that had a 77-minute lightning delay in the second quarter.
“I’m never going to share that kind of stuff with, you know, publicly,” Canales said when asked about the incident. “I think that’s just something that he and I will work through and talk about. But his frustration wasn’t directed at me. We were just talking about we got to keep playing ball. …
“I think it was just a frustrating day in general, so I think there’s a lot of guys that would come up here and tell you they wish they could do better.”
Young also had an incompletion on fourth-and-5 at the Jacksonville 33 later in the third quarter, and he lost a fumble at the Jaguars 32 at the end of a 7-yard scramble in the second quarter.
Young threw interceptions at the Carolina 32-yard line in the second quarter to set up Jacksonville’s first touchdown and with 44 seconds to play.
Carolina went for it again on fourth-and-10 at the Jacksonville 32 with 5:08 to play, and safety Andrew Wingard ran back an interception 75 yards for a touchdown. But the Jaguars lost the score to a defensive-holding penalty, and on the next snap, Young threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Hubbard with 4:47 remaining.
The game was the seventh of Young’s career with at least two interceptions. Carolina has lost all those contests.
“Obviously, can’t turn the ball over like that,” Young said. “It cost the team. I have to be better than that in just bare decision-making.”
The Carolina offense converted on eight of its 15 third-down snaps on Sunday.
“When you have a 50 percent or better day on third down, that typically means longer drives,” Canales said. “That typically means more rushing yards, more chances for explosives as the defense start to show us their hand and what they’re doing. To end in turnovers, you know, we weren’t able to capitalize on a day that could have been a really consistent, complementary day of football.”
Young completed 18-of-35 passes for 154 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions and ran five times for 40 yards. He was sacked once in the opening game of his third NFL season.
The Panthers play the Arizona Cardinals at 3:05 p.m. CDT Sept. 14 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
“Obviously, no one likes to lose, but it’s Week 1,” Young said. “We’re going to watch it tomorrow, and we’re going to wear it. We’re going to see where we can grow from, and then after that, we’re going to flush it. We have a long season ahead. We’re going to push our best to be the best we can be every single day. That doesn’t change.”
