Adam Fantilli’s Blue Jackets extension dissected on Big Show

On Sept. 25, 2026, The Hockey News Big Show turned its attention to Adam Fantilli’s new contract extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Hosts Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy, joined by former professional player Madison Packer, used the episode to examine what the deal means for Columbus. They also discussed what kind of season Fantilli will need to deliver under his new contract.

Fantilli’s new deal leads the conversation

The panel spends a key portion of the show breaking down Fantilli’s extension and debating whether the Blue Jackets secured fair value for their young centre. They look at how the agreement positions the club in the short and medium term and what kind of responsibilities Fantilli is expected to shoulder. The hosts also talk about the performance level he may have to reach in the coming campaign to match the expectations created by the extension.

Before diving into the Blue Jackets’ situation, the episode opens with reaction to projections of a higher NHL salary cap. The discussion explores whether that information changes how teams and observers should view the contracts that were signed over the summer. That line of questioning sets the stage for the panel’s look at several notable deals and roster decisions across the league.

Big-picture NHL debates from trades to playoff hopes

From there, the show moves into trade talk, with the hosts floating potential destinations for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. They also consider whether the upcoming season represents a make-or-break moment for Kirby Dach with the Montreal Canadiens. The Seattle Kraken’s ongoing search for a true star player is another point of emphasis, alongside discussion of Oliver Moore’s extension with the Chicago Blackhawks and the club’s outlook with Connor Bedard still not close to returning.

The panel weighs in on the new format for the PWHL All-Star Game before circling back to NHL roster moves. They debate the Toronto Maple Leafs’ decision to place Steven Lorentz on waivers and ask whether the Philadelphia Flyers can realistically push for a playoff spot this year.

Young captains, scoring races and fun-to-watch offences

Later in the episode, the hosts revisit San Jose’s choice to name Macklin Celebrini captain and question whether that step came too early in his career. They then shift to the offensive side of the league, discussing where Nikita Kucherov might finish among the NHL’s leading scorers this season. The show wraps up by asking which team’s offence will be the most entertaining to watch in 2026–27, framing Fantilli’s new deal within a broader look at the storylines that could shape the year ahead.