The Columbus Blue Jackets announced Sunday that they have signed defenseman Dante Fabbro to a four-year, $16.5 million contract extension ($4.125 million AAV) through the 2028-29 National Hockey League season.

“Dante was a great addition to our team last season and keeping him in Columbus was a priority,” said Waddell. “He is a smart, versatile defenseman who moves the puck very well and can play in all situations. We are thrilled that he will continue to be an important part of our club moving forward.”

Fabbro, 27, has recorded 25 goals and 73 assists, 499 shots on goal, 613 blocked shots, and a cumulative +29 plus/minus rating, while averaging 18:36 time on ice in 377 career NHL games with the Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators since making his NHL debut in 2018-19.

The 6-0, 189-pound blueliner tallied single-season career highs in goals, points, plus/minus rating, game-winning goals, blocked shots and time on ice with 9-17-26, +20 plus/minus rating, three game-winners, 143 blocks and 20:54 TOI in 68 contests with Columbus and Nashville in 2024-25.  

Fabbro led the Blue Jackets in blocked shots (136) and topped club defensemen in plus/minus rating (+23) and hits (66), while also ranking second in goals. He skated in six games with Nashville before being claimed off waivers by Columbus on Nov. 10, 2024. He was paired most often with Zach Werenski as the top two on the blueline.

Originally selected by Nashville in the first round, 17th overall, at the 2016 NHL Draft, the Coquitlam, British Columbia native played three seasons at Boston University from 2016-19 and registered 22-58-80 and 77 PIM in 112 career games, serving as team captain in his final season.