A month ago, it was nearly unthinkable. 

Adam Fantilli, 18, was as safe a bet to become the second player taken in the 2023 NHL draft as “generational talent” Connor Bedard was to go first to the Chicago Blackhawks. Leading up to the start of the draft Wednesday night at Bridgestone Arena, most analysts were convinced the Anaheim Ducks would make that formality a reality and select Fantilli second. 

As it turned out, that prediction wasn’t all it was quacked up to be. 

Anaheim instead selected Leo Carlsson over Fantilli, whom the Blue Jackets then selected third, adding yet another Michigan standout to go with three already playing in Columbus.