The Columbus Blue Jackets claimed Dante Fabbro off waivers on November 10th, 2024. At that time, the team was in the middle of a 6 game losing streak and was not performing all that well. The claim on Fabbro offered the team some depth at defense. It also provided a new opportunity for a player who struggled in Nashville (his former team), who had really high hopes for the former first round pick.
Fabbro flourished on his new team. He was immediately paired with #1 defenseman Zach Werenski and never looked back. The two formed the CBJ’s top defensive pairing for the rest of the season. While the role may have been above Fabbro’s capability early on, Werenski’s steadiness allowed Fabbro to relax and play his game. Over time, he gained confidence and looked like the player Nashville projected him to be.
Fabbro was a solid two-way defenseman for the CBJ. He was good at defending, although I wouldn’t call him the world’s best defender. He really thrived at moving the puck out of the zone and to the forwards. His deceptive wrist shot from the point also caught many goalies off-guard, which increased his offensive production. Overall, he was a well-rounded defenseman who was a solid waiver wire acquisition for the club.
In an ideal world, Fabbro would be slotted on the right side of the 2nd defensive pairing. That would probably be his sweet spot. He gets to be a good two-way defenseman without the pressure of the #1 pairing. But, for a team that had struggled defending for years, Fabbro fit well on the top unit and aided the club in many facets.
Fabbro is an unrestricted free agent this summer. General Manager Don Waddell has stated that he would like to re-sign Fabbro. Based on his play this past season, I think the 5th Line would agree with that sentiment.
The question is: Does Fabbro want to return? He seemed to enjoy his time in Columbus and loved playing with Werenski. But, will he be looking to cash-in on his breakout season? I’m not sure how long of a contract Waddell is looking to offer him. If another team offers him a long-term contract that he cannot refuse, then I wouldn’t be surprised if he left. I could see Waddell offering a 2 to 4 year deal worth $2.5-4.0 million dollars. Will that be enough to keep Fabbro? Time will tell.
Final season stats: 62 games played, 9 goals, 17 assists, 26 points, 40 PIM, +23, 82 shots on goal, Overall grade: A-
Fabbro was a waiver pickup near the beginning of the season and flourished with the change of scenery. The right-shot defenseman found good chemistry with Zach Werenski and formed a formidable first pairing. He earned his mark and possibly revitalized his career.