If the Detroit Red Wings want a bona fide first-line center, they're going to need to act quickly.
The center market lost yet another huge name as the Philadelphia Flyers tendered an offer sheet to Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson. If Steve Yzerman hopes to get a game-changing center before the start of the 2026-27 season, he'll need to get creative.
With Dylan Larkin on the way out and the direction of the team uncertain, now, more than ever, the Red Wings need a top-line center.
That answer could come in the form of Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Why Adam Fantilli is a perfect fit for Red Wings
A former University of Michigan center, Fantilli was recently a top-three pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He took a huge step last season, putting up 59 points in 82 games with the Blue Jackets. At 21 years of age, Fantilli still has plenty of room to grow, but is more than capable of handling top-line duties at center.
Fantilli's breakneck speed, high end of compete and physicality make him the exact mold of player the Red Wings would benefit from acquiring. No longer would they worry about collapsing in the third period or not showing some spine against tougher opponents. With Fantilli, they'd have a much more competitive fire at a younger age and higher ceiling.
That's what makes him such a perfect candidate for an offer sheet. Should the Red WIngs choose to tender an offer sheet to him, they'll have a young, high-end center with plenty of serious potential to be an elite NHLer.
That said, the cost to offer sheet Fantilli won't come cheap. If the Red Wings follow the Flyers and send over an offer sheet over $12M, they'll need to pay the price of four first round picks. That's why it isn't every day a move for a player like Carlsson or Fantilli happens. The exceptionally high cost can make more conservative general mangers shy away from the possibility.
But, if there's anything Yzerman needs to do right now, it's take a leap of faith.
Fantilli offer sheet would update Larkin market
The most important factor of offer sheeting Fantilli, besides the clear upgrade at offense, is that it makes Dylan Larkin obsolete. The Red Wings wouldn't need to worry about replicating his offense, thus opening the market for different types of trades. Without the worries of finding a top center, Yzerman can flip Larkin for futures or more complementary help at wing or defense.
If the Red Wings hope to measurably upgrade at center, save for a gamble on Elias Pettersson, this is their best bet. No player's going to bring them back to relevance quicker. Any players chosen in the next four drafts at first round likely wouldn't be available to the Red Wings for years.
Even if the Blue Jackets match Fantilli's offer sheet, the Red Wings can at least show they've tried -- and put a conference rival in a bind, while they're at it.
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