It has been a bit of a tough start to the season for the Predators. While they sit fourth in the Central entering today’s action, they’re among the lowest-scoring teams in the league, ranking 29th in goals scored at the moment. With that in mind, they may have to look outside the organization to try to add some scoring help. One possible option is to move a defenseman and in his latest column for the Toronto Star, Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos reports that Nashville GM David Poile would like to move a defenseman, suggesting that Dante Fabbro could be had for the right price.
The 24-year-old locked down a regular role in 2019-20, logging over 19 minutes a game and it looked as if the Predators had found yet another quality young defender that they could mold into a core piece. However, he hasn’t really progressed much since then. His playing time continued to hover around the 19-minute mark until this season as it’s down to just 16 minutes a night while he has just four assists in 19 games.
While he’s still holding down a regular role, his usage has dipped to that of a number six defenseman which, at a $2.4MM price tag, is a bit pricey for that spot on the depth chart. Notably, Fabbro will be owed a qualifying offer this summer at that same price point while also being arbitration-eligible and if he rides out the season in the role he has now, he could very well be a non-tender candidate in the summer. Accordingly, moving him now might make sense.
Among Nashville’s other defenders, it’s safe to say that Roman Josi, Mattias Ekholm, and Ryan McDonagh aren’t going anywhere. Jeremy Lauzon has three years remaining after this one on his deal at a $2MM AAV which could be intriguing to some teams if they feel he can be more than a third-pairing option while Alexandre Carrier has taken a step back this season after a breakout 30-point campaign last year. Veteran Mark Borowiecki is currently injured so he’s unlikely to move either.
That makes Fabbro the logical choice to move if Poile decides that he wants to move a defender and while his trade value has undoubtedly dipped compared to what it would have been a few years ago, it’s also possible that it drops even further if they get to the offseason with him being questionable to be given his qualifying offer. If they feel that Jordan Gross (who presently is with AHL Milwaukee but has two goals in three NHL games this season) can fill a similar role that Fabbro is now, Fabbro certainly could be an interesting addition to the trade market in the coming weeks.
Habs could use Carrier if the Predators are interested in Monahan.
Why would Nashville have interest in Monahan? They don’t need another center
They don’t need another 2nd line or lower center, but they could certainly use a true #1 center.
So are the Bruins any takers?
Bruins have similar defenders, in my opinion if they go for a Dman they need one who’s more physical.
Bruins are doing fine; they don’t need to be trading future picks for someone no better than Fabbro. You’d think Ottawa might bite, though.
Fabbro was always overhyped. Maybe San Jose would be interested with the BU connections with Grier & Quinn
I feel Hynes and Poile know that Fabbro isn’t the guy that fits this team, he definitely seems to be a misfit aka square peg in a circle hole type of ordeal
Seriously guys y’all think they should trade fabbro… y’all know the last young good defender they traded away just won a Stanley cup.. I really think they have to trade carrier, they honestly need another top defender because I love eky but he’s gonna need help on the 2nd pairing IF my Nashville preds are going to win… they need to go all in right now we are too old and honestly the last 5 of poiles trade have been so lop sided.. our future looks better than in a long time but imagine if we had girard and fiala still…. Didn’t trotz get a cup too.. just saying.. I love poile I have nothing but respect.. but sometimes you just need to know your not the best for something you love… not saying it’s all him but something has to change I don’t want to see my team waste their talent anymore..
Girard was injured for the much of Colorado’s cup run. They won without him in the lineup for the last 2+ series. Girard is a good player, but he isn’t a great defender & that is what the Preds need more of. As for Fabbro, I’m not even sure what his role is. He isn’t a defenseive defenseman. He doesn’t bring a ton offensively. He’s a good skater who is without a role. It makes total sense to move him out, especially if they don’t think he’s worth the upcoming qualifying offer. Don’t overvalue Fabbro. He isn’t going to help the Preds make a deep playoff run
Girard is better than carrier, fabbro,ekholm,Ryan, lauzon etc. calm down I’m not saying fabbro is even worth anything on the market I’m just saying at least he has a dang point this year..
I just don’t want poile to trade away younger players when that has gotten us no where ever it’s facts
Poile waited too long to move Fabbro. Not going to get back the kind of scoring help they need in a Fabbro trade unless they include a high draft pick or prospect in the deal.