How about Dante Fabbro?
How great is it for the Columbus Blue Jackets to be the organization that might have unlocked the skill of a potentially hidden gem who was discarded on waivers?
Since being acquired off waivers by the Nashville Predators in November, Fabbro has six points (three goals, three assists) and is a +11 in 11 games for the Blue Jackets. A familiar pairing alongside Zach Werenski, below is how that defensive pairing has performed.
| Corsi For/Against | Shots For/Against | Scoring Chances For/Against | High Danger Chances For/Against | Goals For/Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 191/177 | 90/73 | 84/79 | 37/43 | 13-5 |
On Wednesday, Werenski was announced as a starter for Team U.S.A. in February's 4-Nations Face-Off tournament. The nine-year pro has been on another level this season and had a career-high eight-game point streak (five goals, 11 assists) that was snapped Tuesday in Calgary.
And as good as he's been, maybe playing alongside Fabbro has provided even more of a lift for Werenski.
"He's got sneaky skill!"
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) December 3, 2024
Z's been impressed with his new linemate, Dante Fabbro. Hear more from him and Head Coach Dean Evason in today's pregame media
https://t.co/ShwvI3A4Dp@Ticketmaster | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/tmOQeP8Ecf
Per Blue Jackets Insider Jeff Svoboda, Werenski is the first Blue Jackets defenseman and third player overall to record 16 points in an eight-game span.
A stat that would have to make Dean Evason happy: The Blue Jackets' defensemen lead the NHL in goals so far this year. They'll look to keep filling up the net tonight in Edmonton. #CBJ
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) December 5, 2024
PREVIEW: https://t.co/6TdnZRSh6h pic.twitter.com/zlDys5ThX4
The Athletic's Dom Luszczyszyn wrote about the Blue Jackets' dazzling play under new head coach Dean Evason and talked about Fabbro's impact in Columbus since being acquired.
Sometimes a fresh start is what someone needs.
Werenski’s average Game Score on November 11 was 1.38. Since then it’s 2.52 and that might not be a coincidence either. That’s the day the Blue Jackets picked up Dante Fabbro off waivers and immediately placed him on the top pair. Fabbro had a decent resume of success in Nashville next to Roman Josi, as a steady presence that allowed Josi to rove the ice at will. He’s brought that same energy to Columbus and it’s helped unlock Werenski, pushing his game to a new level. In 161 minutes together, the Blue Jackets have outscored teams 12-4 with the top pair on the ice while earning a 51 percent xG rate. Fabbro has six points since becoming a member of the Blue Jackets and is averaging 22:30 per night. Nashville putting Fabbro on waivers was a baffling decision at the time and looks even worse now.
Dante Fabbro has played 10 games with the Blue Jackets. Since he debuted, he ranks 7th among all NHL defensemen in average Game Score (1.69).
— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) December 4, 2024
Seems like the kind of player you don't want to give away for free.
Fabbro and the Blue Jackets keep going on their road trip with the next stop on Friday night against the Vancouver Canucks.
