The Columbus Blue Jackets Adam Fantilli speaks on Patrik Laine

Adam Fantilli appeared on former NHLer John Scott’s podcast yesterday. On the episode of Dropping The Gloves, he talks about a variety of things, but right off the top, he was asked about the Patrik Laine situation.

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Fantilli says about Laine, “Yeah, obviously he had some personal things he had to take care of. That’s why he entered the program and I’ve talked to him and it seems like he’s doing well, seems like he’s ready to get back into the game and into the grind of things. He felt like he needed to change his scenery. He got that. Patty did a lot for me when I came to the team. He let me stay with him, took me out to a bunch of dinners. So he was a great teammate to me. I wish them all the best to be honest.”

He was also asked about GM Don Waddell’s comments about Laine not wanting to go into the CBJ locker room anymore. Fantilli said, “I don’t really know. Because we have such a great group of guys in our locker room. We have a great time at the rink. Maybe stemming back to the beginning of the year with anything that could have happened with the previous coach that we had. That’s the only thing I can think about because our captains have done a great job with making it a very welcoming environment. At least I can speak to my experience, and nothing ever happened that I’m aware of to make him feel uncomfortable in the locker room.”

Did Adam Fantilli let it slip about Mike Babcock being to blame for the Laine situation? John Scott made a joke about Fantilli blaming him, but could there be truth to it? Nothing has ever come out since the Babcock fiasco happened as to what players were involved. Did Scott read between the lines? Is it possible he was directing that comment toward former coach Pascal Vincent scratching Laine?

This is an excellent interview and you can listen to the full podcast below. He only talks about the serious stuff for a few minutes and then gets into his life and other things including how much he likes Captain Boone Jenner and thinks he’s the most underrated player on the team.

Adam Fantilli is a great young kid and will be looking to take the next step this upcoming season. He’ll most likely be on the second line behind newly acquired Sean Monahan. New coach Dean Evason should give Fantilli every opportunity to succeed.

Fantilli should be in for a big season.

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