Blue Jackets’ Adam Fantilli practises for first time since suffering skate cut

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Adam Fantilli was back at practice Monday, wearing an orange practice sweater.

It was the first time the star rookie has joined practice since suffering a laceration to his calf in late January.

The Blue Jackets were not going to have Fantilli play in the team’s final three games, the club told Aaron Portzline of The Athletic back on April 10.

Fantilli was expected to miss eight weeks after being cut on the left calf with a skate blade in a game against the Kraken.

Fantilli was among the NHL’s top rookies this season and the third-leading scorer on the Blue Jackets at the time with 12 goals and 15 assists. He was also tied for third in goals and is fourth in points among all rookies at the time of his injury.

The Nobleton, Ont., native was selected by Columbus with the third overall pick at the 2023 NHL Draft.