Dante Fabbro Bio
Dante Fabbro (born June 20, 1998) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). A right-handed shot standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 192 pounds, Fabbro is recognized for his two-way play and poise on the back end. Selected 17th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, he made his NHL debut in 2019 and has since built a steady career in the league. He also represents Canada on the international stage, contributing to a gold medal at the 2018 World Junior Championships.
Early Life and Background
Dante Fabbro was born on June 20, 1998, in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada. He is the youngest of three children born to Tina and Steve Fabbro. Growing up in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia placed him in one of Canada’s most active hockey regions, where youth rinks and competitive minor hockey programs are common. His early years were shaped by that environment, which allowed him to develop fundamental skating and puck-moving skills at a young age.
Fabbro’s family provided steady support as he progressed through the junior ranks, and his commitment to the sport became clear during his teenage years. He was originally drafted by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the first round, 8th overall, of the 2013 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft. Rather than reporting to the WHL, however, Fabbro chose a different route, opting to play with the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League in order to keep his NCAA eligibility intact.
Path to Hockey
Fabbro’s decision to play in the BCHL paid off during the 2015–16 season, when he served as an alternate captain for the Penticton Vees. He finished that campaign as the top defenceman in the league, earning the Best Defenceman in the BCHL award for 2016. That recognition drew the attention of NHL scouts and confirmed his standing as a top prospect for the upcoming draft.
Following his BCHL success, Fabbro committed to play college hockey at Boston University beginning with the 2016–17 season. During his sophomore year with the Terriers, he ranked second among Hockey East defencemen in points and was named to the Hockey East Second All-Star Team. Those performances reinforced his development as an offensive, mobile blueliner, and positioned him well for the transition to professional hockey.
Dante Fabbro Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
Selected 17th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Fabbro spent the next two seasons developing at Boston University. He balanced his NCAA schedule with international duties, representing Canada at the 2017 World Junior Championships in his first appearance at the tournament. His progress at the collegiate level helped him refine the defensive and transitional elements of his game.
On March 27, 2019, Fabbro signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators. He made his NHL debut a few days later on March 30, 2019, in a 5–2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He recorded his first career NHL goal on April 9, 2019, capping an eventful introduction to the league.
Nashville Predators Era (2019–2024)
Fabbro became a regular on the Predators’ blueline during his entry-level deal, logging steady minutes and contributing at both ends of the ice. He was part of the Predators’ playoff run in 2019, gaining valuable postseason experience. That same spring, on April 29, 2019, he was named to Canada’s senior team for the 2019 IIHF World Championship, where he posted one goal and two assists in nine games and helped Canada reach the final, where they lost to Finland and took home the silver medal.
On March 8, 2024, Fabbro signed a one-year contract extension with the Predators. During the 2024–25 season, his role was reduced and he went scoreless through six appearances. On November 10, 2024, his seven-year tenure with the Predators ended when he was claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Columbus Blue Jackets Era (2024–Present)
Fabbro joined the Columbus Blue Jackets midseason in 2024 and quickly became part of the team’s defensive group. His experience and right-handed shot provided balance to a young Columbus blue line. On June 29, 2025, he signed a four-year, $16.5 million contract extension with the Blue Jackets, signaling the organization’s confidence in his long-term role.
Driving Style and Strengths
Fabbro is regarded as a mobile, two-way defenceman who can move the puck out of his own zone and contribute offensively when given the opportunity. He is comfortable logging even-strength minutes and penalty-kill situations, and his right-handed shot adds balance to any defensive pairing he plays on.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Fabbro’s career are his first career NHL goal on April 9, 2019, and his gold medal with Canada at the 2018 World Junior Championships, where he served as an alternate captain. He also earned a silver medal at the 2019 IIHF World Championship in his first senior international tournament.
Dante Fabbro Career Wins
While defencemen are not typically measured by win totals the way goaltenders are, Fabbro’s career has been marked by team success at the junior, collegiate, and international levels. His standout team accomplishments include a BCHL Best Defenceman honor in 2016, a World Junior Championships gold medal in 2018, and a World Championship silver medal in 2019.
NHL Highlights
Fabbro has been a steady contributor at the NHL level since debuting with the Nashville Predators in March 2019. He recorded his first NHL goal early in his career and went on to log multiple NHL seasons with Nashville before being claimed by Columbus in November 2024. His four-year extension with the Blue Jackets in 2025 underlines his continued value as a top-six defenceman.
Other Wins and Performances
At the junior level, Fabbro was named the top defenceman in the BCHL in 2016 while serving as an alternate captain for the Penticton Vees. He later earned Hockey East Second All-Star Team recognition during his time at Boston University.
Dante Fabbro Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Fabbro is the youngest of three children born to his parents, Tina and Steve Fabbro. While his family is not known for a high-profile sports lineage, the support of his parents helped shape his early development in the sport and his path through the BCHL, NCAA, and NHL systems.
Personal Life
Fabbro grew up in Coquitlam, British Columbia, and has continued his professional career in the United States. He maintains a relatively private personal life away from the rink, focusing on his role with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
2025 Season Performance
Fabbro’s 2025 storyline has been defined by a fresh start with the Columbus Blue Jackets. After joining Columbus on waivers in November 2024, he finished the 2024–25 campaign with the Blue Jackets and stepped into a more prominent role on the right side of the defense. His veteran presence paired well with the team’s younger core.
On June 29, 2025, Fabbro signed a four-year, $16.5 million extension with Columbus, locking in his future with the organization through 2029. The deal reflected management’s belief in his two-way game and his fit within the team’s longer-term plans.
Looking ahead, Fabbro is expected to be a steady contributor for the Blue Jackets, providing defensive stability, penalty-kill support, and right-shot balance. With his contract secure and his role clearly defined, his outlook in Columbus is one of consistent, top-four minutes and continued growth alongside the team’s emerging players.
