The Blue Jackets are still negotiating a contract extension with star center Adam Fantilli and haven't revealed details about their new NHL-produced television broadcast, but they have released plans for training camp and the preseason. More: Columbus Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski wants to stay with team 'long term' Following the Blue Jackets' participation in a prospect tournament Sept. 12-15 in Detroit, they'll open NHL camp Sept. 16 with player medical evaluations. The first day of skating will be Sept. 17, followed by the preseason opener against the Detroit Red Wings on Sept. 21 at Nationwide Arena.
The Jackets will play only four preseason games before hosting the Buffalo Sabres to start the 84-game regular season Oct. 1 at Nationwide Arena. Fantilli, 21, is the lone Blue Jackets player without a contract. He's a restricted free agent for the first time and is due a large pay raise coming off an entry-level contract signed shortly after the Blue Jackets selected him third overall in 2023. As for the TV broadcast, which will be simulcast on radio, details are unknown regarding which platform will air games, how much it might cost to view and staffing selections beyond play-by-play broadcaster Steve Mears and analyst Jody Shelley, who are team employees. Dispatch Blue Jackets/Crew reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets set camp dates as Adam Fantilli talks continue