It’s not a very good day to be a Boston University hockey fan. After Jake Oettinger and Joel Farabee both signed earlier today, Chris Johnston of Sportsnet is now reporting that Dante Fabbro will also forego his final season with the Terriers and sign a three-year entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators. Getting Fabbro under contract was extremely important for the Predators, as the highly touted defenseman could have become an unrestricted free agent next summer had he returned to BU.
There was some speculation that Fabbro was interested in waiting and testing the free market due to the depth on the Nashville blue line, but instead he’ll join an organization that has made a habit of developing high-end defensemen over the years. The 20-year old certainly has that pedigree, after being selected 17th overall in 2016 and steadily improving his game over three years at BU. In fact, Fabbro recorded 33 points in 38 games this season as captain for the Terriers and was a nominee for the Hobey Baker award.
Fabbro also brings a wealth of international experience, as he was a key part of the last two world junior tournaments, winning a silver and gold medal as part of the Canadian contingent. Still even with all that success, it’s unclear where he stands in the Nashville pecking order. The Predators already have seven defensemen signed to one-way contracts for next season, including one of the best top-four in all of hockey. Fabbro could certainly slide into the third pairing, but wouldn’t be getting the kind of minutes that Nashville may want for him. That could lead to him at least starting the year in the AHL, where the Milwaukee Admirals would likely use him as an all-situations option including on the powerplay.
So much for holding out for a more clear situation. Should be able to get lots of sheltered minutes though on that blue line.
Another Seth Jones grade trade chip?
Many good d men in front of him
PK Subban is the trade chip now
Yeah two other posters beat me to it. I was really worried he wasn’t going to sign, and go the Vesey route (still hate that guy, even though I totally understand why those guys would exploit this loophole.) I have to believe that Poile will move a defenseman and try to upgrade somewhere. It doesn’t look like they are going anywhere this year, barring a late season turnaround. If Fabbro is solid, packaging a top 4 defenseman seems like the best way to improve the second line. Poile hasn’t made a single winning move since the 2017 Cup Finals ended (cough, Turris, cough) but hopefully he’ll nail this one.