Blue Jackets' Fantilli out 8 weeks after skate cut to leg

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli is expected to miss eight weeks due to a calf laceration, the team announced Wednesday.

A skate cut Fantilli's leg during Sunday's loss to the Seattle Kraken.

The injury halts what's been an excellent rookie season for the 19-year-old, who was drafted third overall by Columbus last June. Fantilli has been one of the Blue Jackets' only bright spots this year, tallying 12 goals and 27 points in 49 games. He's tied for third among rookies in goals and sits fourth in points.

The Blue Jackets won't begin life without their young star until Feb. 10, when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning to begin the second half of the season.