Dante Fabbro Bio
Dante Fabbro (born June 20, 1998) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). A right-shot blueliner, he was selected 17th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and began his NHL career in 2019. Internationally, Fabbro has represented Canada, winning gold at the 2018 World Junior Championships and silver at the 2019 World Championship.
Early Life and Background
Dante Fabbro was born on June 20, 1998, in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada. He grew up in a supportive household as the youngest of three children, raised by his parents, Tina Fabbro and Steve Fabbro. His early years in the Lower Mainland provided him with access to strong amateur hockey programs that helped shape his development as a defenceman.
Fabbro’s interest in organized hockey grew quickly, and he progressed through local youth ranks before being selected by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the first round, 8th overall, of the 2013 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft. Despite the high pick, he made the unconventional decision to continue playing in the British Columbia Hockey League with the Penticton Vees, a path that allowed him to keep his NCAA eligibility open. He later committed to Boston University, giving him a clear route to a top collegiate program.
Path to Hockey
Fabbro’s junior path was defined by his decision to develop in the BCHL rather than the major-junior WHL. During the 2015–16 BCHL season with the Penticton Vees, he was named an alternate captain and finished the year as the best defenceman in the league, earning the BCHL’s top defenceman award in 2016. That same year, he was drafted 17th overall in the NHL by the Nashville Predators, a vote of confidence that reinforced his standing as one of Canada’s top young defencemen.
He enrolled at Boston University for the 2016–17 season, balancing collegiate hockey with his growing professional profile. In his sophomore year, Fabbro was selected to the Hockey East Second All-Star Team after finishing second among Hockey East defencemen in points, further sharpening his two-way game before turning professional.
Dante Fabbro Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
On March 27, 2019, Fabbro signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators. He made his NHL debut three days later on March 30, 2019, in a 5–2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. On April 9, 2019, he recorded his first career NHL goal, marking a quick transition from prospect to full-time contributor.
Fabbro settled into a regular role on Nashville’s blueline, pairing his calm defensive play with an emerging offensive touch. His steady early performances helped the Predators remain competitive during a transitional stretch, and he was trusted with important minutes and special teams duties.
Nashville Predators Breakthrough (2019–2024)
Fabbro spent the bulk of his formative NHL years with the Nashville Predators, developing into a reliable top-four defenceman. He became a steady presence on the right side of the defence, known for his skating, gap control, and work in his own zone. The organization leaned on him for difficult matchups, and he responded with consistent performances across multiple seasons.
His growth culminated when he was selected to represent Canada at the 2019 World Championship following his first NHL playoff appearance. On March 8, 2024, Fabbro signed a one-year contract extension with the Predators, signalling the franchise’s continued belief in his role. In the 2024–25 season, however, he was reduced to a depth role on the blueline and went scoreless through six appearances, signalling the end of his long tenure in Nashville.
Columbus Blue Jackets Era (2024–Present)
On November 10, 2024, Dante Fabbro’s seven-year tenure with the Predators came to a close when he was claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets. The move gave him a fresh opportunity to return to a top-four role and re-establish his game in a new organization. He quickly slotted into a regular spot on the Blue Jackets’ defence.
On June 29, 2025, he signed a four-year, $16.5 million contract extension with the Blue Jackets, a long-term commitment that reflected his strong finish to the season and his value to the team’s defensive core. The deal underlined Columbus’s intent to build around Fabbro as a stabilizing veteran presence.
Driving Style and Strengths
Fabbro is recognized for his smooth skating, efficient puck movement, and dependable defensive positioning. His ability to break out pucks cleanly and join the rush makes him an effective two-way defenceman. He thrives in transition and has built his game on reliability rather than flash, making him a steady partner in all situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Fabbro’s signature moments are his first NHL goal in April 2019 and his gold medal with Canada at the 2018 World Junior Championships, where he served as an alternate captain. His silver medal at the 2019 World Championship and his long-term extension with Columbus in 2025 stand as defining markers of a steady professional ascent.
Dante Fabbro Career Wins
Throughout his career, Dante Fabbro has built a resume anchored by team achievements rather than individual trophy wins. His biggest victories have come on the international stage, where he helped Canada capture a gold medal at the 2018 World Junior Championships and a silver medal at the 2019 World Championship. These results remain the defining team successes of his career.
International Highlights
Fabbro made his World Juniors debut representing Canada at the 2017 World Junior Championships. The following year, he served as an alternate captain at the 2018 World Junior Championships, helping Canada capture the gold medal. In 2019, he was named to Canada’s senior team for the World Championship, where he posted one goal and two assists in nine games and helped Canada reach the final before a loss to Finland, earning a silver medal.
Dante Fabbro Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Fabbro comes from a close-knit family that has supported his hockey journey from the start. He is the youngest of three children and was raised by his parents, Tina Fabbro and Steve Fabbro, in Coquitlam, British Columbia. Their encouragement helped him pursue non-traditional development paths, including his choice to play in the BCHL and later attend Boston University.
Personal Life
Fabbro has kept his personal life largely private, with no public details regarding a spouse or children. His focus has remained on his professional hockey career, including his recent transition to the Columbus Blue Jackets and his long-term extension in 2025. He continues to represent Canada on the international stage and is regarded as a steady, team-first professional.
2025 Season Performance
Fabbro’s 2024–25 season began on a difficult note in Nashville, where he was limited to a depth role and went scoreless through six appearances. His fortunes changed dramatically after being claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets on November 10, 2024. Given a larger opportunity in Columbus, he quickly returned to form and became a regular contributor on the team’s blueline.
His strong play down the stretch helped him earn a four-year, $16.5 million contract extension on June 29, 2025, a major vote of confidence from the Blue Jackets’ front office. The deal positioned him as a key part of Columbus’s defensive group going forward, pairing veteran stability with the team’s emerging young core.
Looking ahead, Fabbro is expected to remain a top-four defenceman and a stabilizing presence in all situations for the Blue Jackets. His international experience, skating, and two-way reliability make him central to Columbus’s long-term plans. With his contract secure through 2029, the 2025 season marks the start of a new chapter in his career.