Nashville Predators Dante Fabbro Goes to Favorite Team

Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Dante Fabbro walks to the stage after being selected as the number seventeen overall draft pick by the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Dante Fabbro walks to the stage after being selected as the number seventeen overall draft pick by the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The Nashville Predators made dreams come true in more than one way for their First Round pick.

When the Nashville Predators called Dante Fabbro’s name with the seventeenth choice in the First Round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft on Friday, he joined his favorite team.  It seems that Fabbro grew up modeling his game after Shea Weber and loving the Nashville Predators.

There were several nice quotes in an article by Adam Vingan of the Tennessean:

"“I looked up to Shea Weber quite a bit when I was younger,” Fabbro said. “I think that just kind of came with the territory. Weber grew on me, and so did Nashville.” He also said, “I really have no words for it,” Fabbro said of being drafted, expressing his excitement in becoming part of a team with a reputation for churning out high-end defensemen. “Obviously, I dreamed about it as a little kid. For it to be real and happen today was something that was pretty special. … I’m joining a great organization, and I’m obviously just looking forward to the future.”"

Apparently, his sisters Sophia and Gina who both play soccer at Austin Peay State University, less than an hour from Nashville have been to Predators games.  They told their brother about the unbelievable atmosphere at the Bridgestone Arena. Someday, they may get to see Dante Fabbro play there.

“He should be a top four defensemen and he should play in all situations.” – David Poile on Preds Website

Fabbro is a coveted right-handed defenseman who will play this fall at Boston University.  Realistically, he still needs at least a couple of years of College and/or minor league hockey before joining the Nashville Predators.  By that time he should be needed by the boys in Blue and Gold.

From Nashville Predators GM David Poile on the Predators Website:

"“He’s a good, all-around defenseman who plays in all situations,” Poile said. “This should be a guy who, if he develops the way we feel that he should, in the next few years, he should be a top four defensemen and he should play in all situations. We’re not in any hurry to have to replace our current four, but two or three or four years down the road, this could be the type of guy who would be perfect to move into our lineup.”"

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He has been described as a player that is always in the right spot who rarely makes mistakes.  He is a solid defender but a nice offensive upside.  In fact, if you look at his highlights, he has a shot that uncannily reminds you of Shea Weber’s one-timer slap shot. He needs to fill out a bit and work on the physical parts of his game.

He immediately helps the Nashville Predators replenish their diminished defensive pipeline. He jumps right into the picture as a top defender in their system along with Alexandre Carrier and Jack Dougherty.

Here are are a few interesting things you may want to know about young Mr. Fabbro from Twitter:

It certainly appears that the Nashville Predators did their homework and found a player that they know will someday want to play in Smashville.

Next: Preds Pick Fabbro With First Pick

We look forward to seeing Dante Fabbro wearing that bright Gold Jersey for good in the not too distant future.