Four Metro Division breakout picks for the 2024-25 season

Adam Fantilli seems poised to take a big step forward as a sophomore. Which other Metro youngsters are going to make a leap?

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One of my favorite things to do each year is comb through Metro Division rosters and share players I think are poised for breakout seasons.

With the 2024-25 campaign (finally) just around the corner, I figured now was a good time to zero in on a few guys I think are in line for jumps in performance.

Before I get into it, I should point out that I’m firmly in the ‘rookies aren’t breakout players’ camp and my list was made accordingly. No Matvei Michkov in this house.

Adam Fantilli - Columbus Blue Jackets

Fantilli’s rookie outputs were respectable (27 points in 49 games) but certainly didn’t pop off the page. There was a lot to like beneath the surface, though.

He produced 2.05 points per 60 minutes during 5v5 play, which is a very healthy rate. He also showed the ability to create his own offense, generating shot attempts like Alex Ovechkin while producing scoring chances at the same clip as Nikolaj Ehlers.

That’s pretty damn impressive for a 19-year-old playing on a struggling team with a coach who was thrust into the fire unexpectedly right before the season.

I think Fantilli will play a bigger role as a sophomore. Beyond the experience and natural progression that will help him improve, he should get more steady minutes.

Last season – despite the Blue Jackets piling up the losses and in a clear rebuild/retool – there were games where Pascal Vincent was playing Fantilli for 10 or 11 minutes. I don’t think that’ll be the case under Dean Evason.

This kid has the speed, puck skills, and shot to really make noise. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he flirts with 60 points.

Kent Johnson - Columbus Blue Jackets