Adam Fantilli at centre of World Cup debate and bold Red Wings offer-sheet idea

Adam Fantilli’s name is surfacing in discussions that go well beyond his next contract. In a recent column for The Hockey News, Adam Proteau links the Columbus Blue Jackets forward to both a major international storyline around the 2028 World Cup of Hockey and a potential offer-sheet scenario involving the Detroit Red Wings.

Team Ukraine pitched as eighth entry for 2028 World Cup

The upcoming World Cup of Hockey is slated to feature eight teams. Proteau notes that seven nations—Canada, the United States, Czechia, Finland, Sweden, Germany and Slovakia—look like near locks to participate, leaving one final spot to be filled.

Rather than seeking a way to bring Russia back into the event under current circumstances, the columnist argues that the NHL and NHLPA have a chance to make a strong statement by inviting Ukraine. He contends that even if Ukraine would not be viewed as a traditional powerhouse, the significance of including the national team would outweigh concerns about its roster depth.

In Proteau’s view, the move would provide an emotional lift to Ukrainian fans and players by placing them on a global stage. He also suggests that a Ukrainian team trying to upset the established powers could become a compelling underdog story that broadens interest in the tournament beyond the usual best-on-best appeal.

Red Wings urged to consider bold offer sheet for Fantilli

Proteau then turns to Fantilli’s situation in Columbus, describing an ongoing contract standoff with the Blue Jackets while the centre remains a restricted free agent. He argues that the delay in reaching a deal opens the door for another club to step in with an offer sheet aimed at prying him away.

The team he identifies as best suited to make that play is Detroit. The Red Wings are highlighted for having roughly $21.3 million in available cap space and retaining all of their own draft picks, giving them the financial flexibility and compensation tools needed to structure an aggressive offer.

In the column, a substantial contract for Fantilli is framed as a way for Detroit to secure a franchise building block while setting the stage for potential changes involving former captain Dylan Larkin under interim general manager Shawn Horcoff. As an Ontario-born player, Fantilli would also be moving closer to home if he were to cross over to the Red Wings.

Proteau concludes that an offer sheet would allow Detroit to act boldly and aggressively, both by adding a top-tier talent and by putting pressure on a fellow Eastern Conference team. In his assessment, the combination of Columbus’ stalled negotiations and the Red Wings’ cap position makes the idea too logical to ignore.