The NHL offseason is rapidly approaching, and one name that’s consistently bubbling up in early Dante Fabbro rumors is the man himself. After a stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets that can only be described as a career renaissance, Fabbro is undeniably one of the most intriguing right-shot defensemen potentially hitting the open market on July 1st. His transformation in Columbus, following a waiver claim from Nashville, was nothing short of remarkable and has put him squarely on the radar of several GMs looking to bolster their blue line.
Fabbro’s Stock Soars: A Waiver Wire Gem Shines Bright
Let’s be frank: when the Blue Jackets plucked Dante Fabbro off waivers from the Nashville Predators back in November 2024, few could have predicted the impact he’d have. Paired frequently with top defenseman Zach Werenski, Fabbro didn’t just find his footing; he found an entirely new gear. He posted career highs in several offensive categories, including goals (9) and points (26 in 62 games with CBJ), and showcased a plus-23 rating that speaks volumes about his on-ice influence. Averaging over 21 minutes a night, he proved he could handle top-four responsibilities and contribute significantly at both ends of the ice.
This isn’t just a player rounding back into form; this is a former first-round pick (17th overall in 2016) finally showcasing the consistent, impactful play many scouts projected. He’s mobile, makes a good first pass, isn’t afraid to join the rush, and has demonstrated a more assertive defensive game. Columbus will undoubtedly make a strong push to re-sign him, but the allure of testing free agency after such a stellar platform year could be too strong to ignore, especially with a significant pay raise on the horizon from his previous $2.5 million AAV. If he hits the market, expect a flurry of interest.
Potential Suitors: Where Could Fabbro Land?
If Fabbro does explore his options, several teams should be lining up with contract offers. Here are three prime destinations that make a ton of sense from my perspective:
1. Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres are a team crying out for stability and skill on the right side of their defense. For years, this has been an area of need, and Fabbro fits the bill almost perfectly. He’s a right shot, can log significant minutes, and would provide an immediate upgrade to their top four. Imagine a pairing with either Rasmus Dahlin or Owen Power; Fabbro’s steady, two-way game could complement either of their dynamic styles exceptionally well. His penalty-killing prowess would also be a welcome addition. From a pure needs perspective, Buffalo should be aggressive here. The Dante Fabbro rumors should be strong in Western New York if he’s available.
2. Ottawa Senators: Steve Staios and the Senators’ management have made it clear that upgrading their defense, particularly on the right side, is a major offseason priority. Fabbro offers exactly what they’re looking for: a reliable, minute-munching defenseman who can contribute in multiple situations. Slotting him onto a second pairing, perhaps alongside Thomas Chabot or Jake Sanderson (allowing one to play their strong side if Chabot moves to the left), would give the Senators a much more balanced and formidable defensive corps. His experience and revived confidence would be invaluable for a team looking to take that next step into consistent playoff contention. He’d also be a key piece for their special teams.
3. Dallas Stars: The Stars are perennial contenders, but even top teams look to reinforce. With the potential departure of some veteran presence on their blue line in recent or upcoming offseasons, adding another proven right-shot defenseman like Fabbro would be a shrewd move by Jim Nill. Dallas values puck-moving defensemen who can contribute to their structured system, and Fabbro showed in Columbus he can thrive in a role that demands responsibility. He could seamlessly integrate into their top four or provide unparalleled depth, making an already strong defense even more imposing. He wouldn’t be asked to be the guy, but rather a very strong complementary piece, a role in which he could excel.
The market for right-shot defensemen is always competitive, and Fabbro’s age (26, turning 27 shortly before July 1st) combined with his breakout performance makes him a highly attractive asset. While Columbus holds his current rights and will likely do their best to keep him, the allure of free agency and a potentially lucrative long-term deal elsewhere could see these Dante Fabbro rumors become a reality for one lucky team.
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