Veteran Blueliner Signs New Contract

Dante Fabbro Re-Signed by the Blue Jackets

Fabbro has played for the Nashville Predators and the Columbus Blue Jackets over his seven-year NHL career. The recently-turned 27-year-old had nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points in 68 games between the Predators and Blue Jackets last season. He averaged 20 minutes, 54 second in ice time, but that was thanks to increased time after being picked up by Columbus. Fabbro had a Corsi for of 47.4 and a relative Corsi of -1.4.

The Coquitlam, British Columbia native has 25 goals and 73 assists for 98 points in 377 career games. Nashville originally drafted him in the first round, 17th overall of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

He had a standout career at the NCAA level with Boston University. Fabbro has also represented his native Canada at the international level. He won a silver medal and a gold medal at the 2017 and 2018 IIHF World Juniors, respectively. The veteran blueliner also was part of the silver-medal winning team at 2019 IIHF Worlds.

What It Means

Fabbro had some struggles towards the end of his tenure in Nashville. However, he’s seemingly turned things around after being claimed by Columbus. He totaled all of his points while with the Jackets last season.

Fabbro has spent time with Zach Werenski as his defensive partner and that has really helped his game. Werenski had a Norris Trophy nominated season and Fabbro benefited from that partnership.

Last season has given Fabbro’s career some new life and he now gets a deal that gives him some security. Fabbro is hoping to keep that momentum going. General manager Don Waddell clearly feels, whether it is with Werenski, or someone else, Fabbro can contribute to the club. This is a big contract for Fabbro as the Blue Jackets as a team, look to take the next step.