Michigan Alums Reunite In Columbus

The Michigan Wolverines continue to put the “Blue” in Columbus Blue Jackets, with two more former players going to the Ohio-based team with the close of the draft. Teammates Adam Fantilli and Gavin Brindley were both taken by the organization at the 3rd and 34th pick, respectively.  

Fantilli was projected to go as the second pick to Anaheim, who ultimately chose to go with Leo Carlsson, another strong forward similar to Fantilli, which was an early shock going into the remainder of the draft. This choice worked out in both the club and players’ best interest, as Fantilli has expressed this was one of his first choices in organizations as well as feeling like it’s closer to home.  

Not only did Columbus get the chance to select the Hobey Baker Winner, but they also took his teammate, Gavin Brindley. The 5’9″ forward set a Big 10 record for the most assists in a single tournament and took home the bronze medal at the 2023 World Junior Championships.  

Going into the league with chemistry on and off ice already established could be what the club needs in this rebuilding era. Columbus went 25-28-9 last season, finishing in last place in the Metropolitan Division and the worst record in the Eastern Conference. The pair will also be joining three other alumni, Kent Johnson, Zach Werenski, and Nick Blankenburg, on the Columbus roster.  

With the addition of Fantilli and Brindley, they are giving New Jersey a run for their money by drafting Michigan Players, as the Devils have Ethan Edwards, Seamus Casey, and Luke Hughes, who were part of Team 101 during the 2022-2023 season.  

251. Leaguewide Check-In CBJectively Speaking

Things are busy in the NHL with all sorts of news about the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, the NHL Draft Lottery, and so much more! We check in on the race for the Stanley Cup and come clean about our… not so great predictions for this postseason!Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Thread, and Twitter: @CBJectivelyPodCheck us out on Facebook and YouTube: CBJectively SpeakingRate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen!Check out our website: www.cbjectivelyspeaking.comCheck out our merchandise: www.cbjectivelymerch.comJeremy's Social: @CBJectivelyJPLaura's Social: @CBJectivelyLN
  1. 251. Leaguewide Check-In
  2. 250. Here's to More!
  3. 249. Reframing the Season
  4. 248. April Hockey is Here
  5. 247. The Ides of March

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

2025 IIHF Worlds: Beniers, Daccord Shine as USA Shuts Out Denmark

Team USA opened their 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship campaign on Friday afternoon with a convincing matchup against host Denmark in Group B play. With a roster stacked with young NHL talent and a clear commitment to speed and puck possession, the Americans were looking to set the tone early in their pursuit of gold. […]

Read More

2025 IIHF Worlds: Crosby Named Captain of Team Canada

Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins will once again lead Team Canada on the international stage, named captain for the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship in Sweden and Denmark. He’ll be joined by alternate captains Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche and Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators, forming a veteran leadership group with deep […]

Read More
Rick Tocchet behind the bench for the Vancouver Canucks

Boston Bruins Have a Top Head Coaching Target

You can add Rick Tocchet’s name to the rumor mill when it comes to who the next head coach of the Boston Bruins will be. Tocchet played 47 games for the Bruins from 1996 to 1997 and scored 32 goals for them. Sources say that Tocchet could be a top target for the Bruins to […]

Read More