But they’ve also said they want to at least be in the playoff conversation when their new rink opens in fall 2027. That’s where Fantilli comes in. Right now, the Flames’ top center in terms of ice time last season was Mikael Backlund, who wasn’t close to being a No. 1 center at his peak, and now he’s 36. Fantilli would fit right in, age-wise, with what they’re trying to build.
