The Columbus Blue Jackets added depth to the roster Sunday, claiming defenseman Dante Fabbro off waivers from the Nashville Predators.
Prior to being waived Friday, Fabbro played in six games this season with the Predators, including their win over the Blue Jackets on October 26th.
For his career, the 26-year-old has 16 goals and 56 assists (72 points) in 315 games — all with Nashville, and generally as a third-pairing defenseman.
“Dante Fabbro is a puck-moving defenseman that can play in all situations and adds mobility and depth to our backend,” said President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell.
To make room the roster for Fabbro, the Blue Jackets also announced that forward Kent Johnson was placed on injured reserve retroactive to October 17th.
The Predators signed Fabbro to a one-year contract worth $2.5 million for this season. He'll be an unrestricted free agent in the summer.
The 6'0", 190lb Canadian-born defenseman was the 17th overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft by the Predators, and he made his NHL debut against the Blue Jackets on March 30th, 2019. His first goal would come one week later:
What Does This Mean For The Blue Jackets?
It's not yet clear, but there are a few things that stand out.
Above all else, it's not a good sign for David Jiricek.
Jiricek has been a healthy scratch most of the season and was on the ice for less than ten minutes in each of the last two games. He continues to struggle at the NHL level. Rumors of a potential trade that circled during training camp will surely be rehashed with the addition of Fabbro.
It also could mean that the Blue Jackets are uncertain about another defenseman: Jordan Harris. When Jiricek has played, Harris has been a healthy scratch. Head coach Dean Evason has been reluctant to give either player significant minutes, especially late in games. Jack Johnson, who has played primarily with either Jiricek or Harris, has also struggled in the twilight of his career.
Regardless of who, the move is certainly a referendum on the bottom pairing of Blue Jackets defenseman.
This could also potentially be an indication that we've seen the last of Erik Gudbranson for the 2024-25 season. He underwent shoulder surgery in October and was expected to be out long-term. This move could be an indicator that the Blue Jackets do not expect to see him back on the ice until next season.
