Adam Fantilli is quietly becoming an important part of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 21-year-old center from Nobleton, Ontario, was drafted third overall by the team in 2023 and is now in his third full NHL season. So far in the 2025–26 campaign, he has scored two goals and collected three assists for five points in 10 games. His numbers may not be high, but his two-way play and confidence with the puck continue to stand out. Averaging around 16 minutes of ice time each night, he has earned regular shifts at both even strength and on special teams.
Fantilli continues to prove why Columbus drafted him so high, but recent attention shifted to his Halloween costume, which drew mixed reactions online.
NHL Fans Split Over Adam Fantilli’s Donald Trump Costume
A photo shared on X showed Fantilli dressed as Donald Trump for Halloween.
Apparently Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets dressed up like Donald Trump for a Halloween party (way in the back there) and… people are taking it about as well as you might expect. https://t.co/rSNpJqeAmb pic.twitter.com/JheCHXZa8j
— Will, politically homeless once again (@spudhawg) November 1, 2025
The viral post, originally shared by a user named Leah, showed a group celebrating with Fantilli visible in the background. Leah’s now-deleted tweet read:
“I’m about to be the friend who’s too woke and say that I think dressing up as Trump right now is at best incredibly ignorant, and at worst, the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard of.”
The photo quickly circulated online, drawing a range of responses.
Some users criticized the costume.
“Adam fantilli you will not see heaven,” one wrote.
“as much as i want to think its a joke, a HUGEEE part of me thinks that its def not a joke all because of his repost bull***t about ch*rlie k*rk,” another fan said. questioning whether the outfit was intended as a joke or a political statement.
as much as i want to think its a joke, a HUGEEE part of me thinks that its def not a joke all because of his repost bullshit about ch*rlie k*rk
— AMBER ☆ SEES THE DEVS IN 28 DAYS (@8KOVACEVIC_) October 31, 2025
“even if it is as a “joke” (which i’m only assuming bc of how poorly it’s done), it’s in such poor taste and so tone deaf, like what are we doing here,” another fan said.
even if it is as a “joke” (which i’m only assuming bc of how poorly it’s done), it’s in such poor taste and so tone deaf, like what are we doing here 😕
— 𝙰𝚂𝙷🦇🍂 (@ashelai_) October 31, 2025
Others were more supportive or amused.
“Adam Fantilli, YOU are a bona fide beauty #CBJ,” one said.
“I guess I have to buy a Fantilli jersey now, my hands are tied,” another added.
I guess I have to buy a Fantilli jersey now, my hands are tied https://t.co/2eOnPhby2p
— Gabe Perreault for Calder (@AdamFoxsDad) October 31, 2025
“No Adam Fantilli slander will be tolerated. #CBJ,” one user said.
No Adam Fantilli slander will be tolerated. #CBJ
— Jason (@JKinzer80) October 31, 2025
“adam fantilli, you will begin to cough in seven days,” one commented.
The reactions highlighted just how divided fans can be over events off the ice.
Meanwhile, Fantilli is signed to a three-year, $2.85 million rookie contract that carries a $950,000 cap hit per season. The deal runs through the end of the 2025–26 season, after which he will become a restricted free agent. According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, both his agent, Pat Brisson of CAA Sports, and Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell have agreed to pause contract talks until after the Olympic break.
