Adam Fantilli and head coach Rick Bowness could be pulled into the NHL's next major contract fight.
The Columbus Blue Jackets center remains unsigned, leaving rival teams with a chance to force Columbus into an expensive decision through an offer sheet.
Fantilli's situation stands out after Leo Carlsson reportedly signed a 5-year, $90 million offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers. Anaheim now has to decide whether to match or accept compensation.
The comparison is difficult to ignore. Carlsson was selected second overall in 2023, one spot before Columbus drafted Fantilli.
Both are 21-year-old centers with nearly identical production. Carlsson has recorded 141 points over 201 career games, while Fantilli has 140 points through 213 appearances.
Fantilli was already expected to command an average annual value above $10 million. Carlsson's reported deal could push that number even higher.
Simon Edvinsson gives teams another target
Simon Edvinsson is also exposed as the Detroit Red Wings work through his next contract with head coach Todd McLellan preparing for another season behind the bench.
Edvinsson brings a different type of value. The 6-foot-6, 222-pound defenseman has the size, mobility and blue-line upside that teams rarely find on the open market.
Before the Carlsson development, Edvinsson was projected to land near a $9 million average annual value. Recent contracts around the league may have changed that negotiating range.
Detroit can match any offer sheet, but another club could still create cap pressure by structuring a contract with a heavy salary and difficult long-term terms.
That is the real danger for both teams. An offer sheet doesn't need to successfully steal the player to cause problems. It can force management to adjust its cap plan immediately.
Columbus cannot afford to lose Fantilli after building much of its future around him. Detroit faces the same pressure with Edvinsson, a defenseman expected to handle major minutes for years.
Most offer-sheet speculation disappears without action. But after Carlsson's reported deal, teams can no longer dismiss the possibility as offseason noise.
Fantilli is the most obvious target. Edvinsson may be the more difficult player to replace. Either move would put another front office under immediate pressure.
Will Adam Fantilli receive an offer sheet this summer?
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