Oilers Trade Package for Adam Fantilli — Would You Accept?

The Columbus Blue Jackets have spent the entire offseason in the headlines — and not for the right reasons. Kirill Marchenko’s situation has been loud, messy, and increasingly public. The GM’s comments have hinted at frustration, and Marchenko himself didn’t exactly commit to Columbus when asked if he wants to stay. He likes playing hockey… just not necessarily there.

Then Rick Bowness poured gasoline on the fire. He ripped the team’s compete level, then opened training camp by calling out two unnamed players for showing up out of shape. Rumours swirled immediately, but nothing was confirmed.

And looming over everything is Adam Fantilli — still unsigned, still a Restricted Free Agent, and still nowhere near a resolution. His number has only climbed after Leo Carlsson’s $18M AAV offer sheet, and Columbus doesn’t seem willing to go where Fantilli’s camp wants.

This is now the biggest standoff in the NHL.

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Why Columbus Might Actually Move Fantilli

Fantilli is exactly the kind of player teams never want to trade. But contract standoffs change relationships fast, and this one feels tense. Columbus appears dug in. Fantilli’s camp appears dug in. Nobody is blinking.

He’s holding out of training camp, which is a nightmare for a team already drowning in distractions. He’s one of their best players, and his absence hurts them on the ice and off it.

Elliotte Friedman summed up the situation on 32 Thoughts:

“I’m led to believe that it isn’t any closer… Fantilli’s representation has had a target in mind for some time, and they haven’t budged from it. I assume it was a post‑Carlsson target, and Columbus is not there.”

If Columbus doesn’t want to pay the number, and Fantilli isn’t backing off, the math becomes simple: move the distraction, get real assets, and reset the room.

Why Edmonton Would Swing Big

This would be a monster swing for the Oilers — expensive, painful, and bold. But it’s also exactly the type of move a contender with a shrinking window makes.

Fantilli’s holdout lowers the price slightly, but he’s still a premium young center with star upside. Edmonton would absolutely be interested.

The Oilers have two blue‑chip prospects in Matt Savoie and Isaac Howard. Savoie was excellent last season, especially post‑Olympics, and looked like one of Edmonton’s best players. Howard dominated the AHL as a rookie and looks ready to explode.

They also have a surplus of young defensemen and Jake Walman, who could immediately upgrade Columbus’s top four or stabilize their bottom pair. And Edmonton’s future draft capital is quietly valuable — especially with the long‑term uncertainty around Connor McDavid. Picks in 2028 and 2029 carry real weight.

The Offer

Jets Receive:

• Trent Frederic
• Isaac (Ike) Howard (They could push for Matt Savoie instead)
• Jake Walman
• 2028 1st round pick (They could ask for the 2029 for potential post McDavid)
• 2027 2nd round pick

Oilers Receive:

• Adam Fantilli

Who Says No?

Columbus gets a legitimate haul:

• A top‑four defender
• A first‑round pick that could be massive if McDavid ever leaves
• A strong third‑line winger
• A top prospect ready for NHL minutes
• A 2027 second‑round pick

If Columbus wants another young defenseman or a lower‑tier forward prospect, Edmonton could add it. Frederic and Howard help Columbus’s third line. Walman strengthens their defense. The picks give them long‑term flexibility. And they remove a major distraction.

For Edmonton, Fantilli is the perfect fit. He can play behind McDavid and Draisaitl, or slide to the wing and become a top‑six weapon. He gives the Oilers a young, elite piece to help extend their window and stabilize the future.

Fantilli scored 24 goals and 59 points last season. The year before, he scored 31. Put him next to McDavid or Draisaitl and he could explode. Edmonton would have roughly $16M in cap space before sending players down, giving them room to sign him — depending on how high his number goes.

Comparable Deals

Brady Tkachuk was just traded to Florida for three firsts and a second. Tkachuk is the better player today, but Fantilli is younger and has more runway. The difference is contract: Tkachuk is signed long‑term at a team‑friendly number.

Mason McTavish is the closest comparable. He went for two first‑round picks, but he’s signed at just $7M AAV. Fantilli is better, but his value is dragged down by the contract ask. Edmonton’s offer essentially gives Columbus two firsts, Walman, a second, and Frederic for depth and cap balance.

If Fantilli comes signed to a fresh deal, the price makes sense. If the number is too high, teams will hesitate — including Edmonton.

Benefits For Each

The benefits for each team are definitely prevalent. Columbus moves on from a distractions and gets some helpful pieces to help them now and in the future. They don’t get stuck with a large cap hit player they might not want to pay the amount he wants, and get another young piece who could develop into as strong of a goal scorer.

The Oilers get a top six forward to help add to their group. Fantilli would thrive playing with this level of talent, or could drive his own second line giving the Oilers a ton of options up front. This would be a strong move to help push the team towards the Cup, and also help convince McDavid to stay. It also helps their core get younger, bringing in an elite young talent.

If Columbus decides to move Fantilli, this is the type of package that could get it done. The Oilers are one of the rare contenders with cap space and premium prospects, and they’re in a window where bold moves make sense.

Columbus clears the noise. Edmonton adds a star. Both teams walk away better.

Next: Huberdeau to the Oilers? A Rivalry Trade That Actually Helps Both Teams