Dante Fabbro Bio
Dante Fabbro (born June 20, 1998) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted 17th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Fabbro began his professional career with the Predators in 2019 and spent seven seasons with the organization before joining the Blue Jackets in 2024. Internationally, Fabbro has represented Canada at multiple levels, most notably winning a gold medal at the 2018 World Junior Championships and a silver medal at the 2019 World Championship.
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 British Columbia, Fabbro developed his passion for hockey at a young age, following a path common among Canadian athletes who grow up in hockey-rich communities.
Fabbro began his major junior career when the Seattle Thunderbirds selected him in the first round, eighth overall, of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft. Rather than joining the Thunderbirds, Fabbro chose to play for the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). This decision was strategic, as playing in the BCHL allowed him to maintain his NCAA eligibility while developing his game at a high level.
Path to Professional Hockey
During the 2015-16 BCHL season, Fabbro served as an alternate captain for the Penticton Vees, demonstrating leadership qualities that would later translate to his professional career. His exceptional performance on the blueline earned him recognition as the Best Defenceman in the BCHL that season. His strong play attracted attention from college programs, and he committed to play for Boston University beginning with the 2016-17 season.
Fabbro continued to develop his two-way game at the collegiate level. During his sophomore season at Boston University, he was selected for the Hockey East Second All-Star Team after finishing second among conference defencemen in points. His impressive college career solidified his draft stock, and the Nashville Predators selected him 17th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
Dante Fabbro Career
Nashville Predators Era (2019-2024)
Fabbro signed his entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators on March 27, 2019. He made his NHL debut just days later, on March 30, 2019, in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Fabbro quickly adjusted to the professional level, recording his first career NHL goal on April 9, 2019. His smooth transition to the NHL demonstrated the foundation he built through his years in the BCHL and at Boston University.
Over the following seasons, Fabbro established himself as a reliable top-four defenceman for the Predators. He signed a one-year contract extension with the team on March 8, 2024. However, during the 2024-25 season, Fabbro found himself in a reduced depth role on the blueline, going scoreless through his first six appearances.
Columbus Blue Jackets (2024-Present)
On November 10, 2024, Fabbro’s seven-year tenure with the Nashville Predators ended when he was claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets. This move marked a new chapter in his professional career, joining the organization that he faced in his NHL debut five years earlier.
Fabbro quickly became a regular on the Blue Jackets blueline following the waiver claim. On June 29, 2025, he signed a four-year contract extension worth $16.5 million with Columbus, securing his future with the franchise through the 2028-29 season. The deal represented a significant commitment from the Blue Jackets to Fabbro as a core piece of their defensive corps.
Driving Style and Strengths
Fabbro is known as a steady, two-way defenceman who excels at moving the puck out of his own zone and contributing to the transition game. His hockey IQ and positional awareness allow him to log heavy minutes against opponents’ top lines. His right-handed shot and size (6-foot-1, 192 pounds) make him a reliable option for killing penalties and defending in front of the net.
Notable Events and Milestones
Fabbro’s career has been highlighted by several significant achievements at both the professional and international levels. His gold medal performance at the 2018 World Junior Championships as an alternate captain for Canada demonstrated his leadership capabilities on the international stage. His silver medal at the 2019 World Championship further cemented his status as a national team contributor.
Dante Fabbro Career Highlights
Fabbro has built a solid professional career spanning multiple seasons in the NHL while achieving notable success at the international level with Team Canada. His versatility as a two-way defenceman has allowed him to contribute offensively while maintaining defensive responsibility.
International Achievements
Fabbro represented Canada at three major international tournaments during his early career. He made his World Junior Championships debut at the 2017 tournament. The following year, he served as an alternate captain for Canada at the 2018 World Junior Championships, helping guide the team to a gold medal. In April 2019, following his first playoff experience with the Predators, Fabbro was named to the Canadian senior team for the World Championship. He contributed one goal and two assists in nine games, helping Canada advance to the final before losing to Finland and settling for the silver medal.
College and Junior Success
Prior to his professional career, Fabbro earned the award as Best Defenceman in the BCHL during the 2015-16 season with the Penticton Vees. His collegiate career at Boston University included a Hockey East Second All-Star Team selection, highlighting his ability to compete at the highest level of college hockey while maintaining his offensive production from the blue line.
Dante Fabbro Family
Family Background
Fabbro comes from a supportive family environment in Coquitlam, British Columbia. He is the youngest of three children born to Tina and Steve Fabbro. His family has supported his hockey career from the early stages, providing the foundation for his development as a professional athlete.
Personal Life
Beyond hockey, Fabbro values his education, having pursued and completed his college career at Boston University. This combination of athletics and academics demonstrates his commitment to developing as a complete individual beyond his professional sports career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks an important transition year for Fabbro as he begins a new chapter with the Columbus Blue Jackets under his new four-year contract extension. After joining the Blue Jackets mid-season in 2024 following his waiver claim from Nashville, Fabbro has had the opportunity to establish himself within the organization during the full 2025 campaign. The substantial contract extension signals the Blue Jackets’ confidence in his ability to be a foundational defenceman for the franchise going forward. Fabbro brings stability and experience to a young Blue Jackets blueline, offering both defensive reliability and the ability to contribute offensively from the back end. His leadership experience at the international level provides additional value as the team continues to develop its core group of players.