Nashville Predators: Why It’s a Huge Offseason for These Three Veterans

Waiting for Fabbro to Take the Next Step

Alright, folks. We can no longer refer to Dante Fabbro when talking about the “young players”. Yes, he’s still in the early stages of his NHL journey, but he’s now over 250 games into his NHL career. This will be his fifth full year in the NHL in 2023-24.

When the trade deadline was approaching, I had Fabbro high up on my trade block. Maybe even at the top at one point, but instead the organization showed short-term faith in the former 17th-overall draft pick by giving him another year, worth $2.5M for 2023-24. An ever so small raise.

This is Fabbro’s “prove it” year by all intents and purposes. But first we have to see how the RFA negotiations work out with Alexandre Carrier.

Assuming the front office doesn’t botch that one and gets Carrier wisely re-signed, then Fabbro will be part of a defensive core that’s look set for opening night next season.

However, having just one year left, don’t think that Fabbro is safe in the clubhouse. He has to elevate and raise his level of play to get any long-term faith from the organization. He benefits from a prospect pool of defensemen that’s a little shallow at the moment, hence why he probably got another year.

Although Fabbro doesn’t have to be expected to suddenly morph into a prolific offensive weapon on the blueline, we certainly don’t want to see regression in this department.

Fabbro had his lowest output of offense of his NHL career in 2022-23, playing in 79 games but managing just 11 points and a two percent shooting percentage.

Fabbro needs an offseason full of growth. He’s a quality defenseman that brings a lot of value and has a future in the NHL. To elevate as an everyday top-four d-man, he’s got to show us something this offseason and beyond. Otherwise, he’s going right back on my trade block next spring.