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Friedman: Fantilli-Blue Jackets Deal Not Yet Critical
7 Sep
Summary
- Fantilli contract talks remain ongoing with the Blue Jackets.
- Leo Carlsson's recent deal set a new benchmark for expectations.
- Flyers GM believes cap increases drive salaries, not specific deals.
Adam Fantilli's contract negotiations with the Columbus Blue Jackets are a focal point, particularly following Leo Carlsson's recent deal. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman indicated that contract talks have not yet reached a critical stage, despite Carlsson's new agreement setting higher expectations.
Reports suggest Columbus has not yet met the financial figures Fantilli's representatives may be seeking. Carlsson's recently matched offer sheet, carrying an $18 million AAV, has drawn parallels, though Columbus' reported offer to Fantilli is in the $12 million to $12.5 million range, with Fantilli's side potentially aiming for closer to $15 million.
Meanwhile, Flyers general manager Daniel Briere downplayed the impact of Carlsson's contract on the NHL salary market. He stated that salaries were already trending upward due to the increasing salary cap, which agents utilize to negotiate higher compensation for players. Briere suggested that attributing salary increases solely to the Flyers' involvement in the Carlsson deal is an oversimplified view.
