The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed defenseman Dante Fabbro to a four-year, $16.5 million contract extension with an average annual value of $4.125 million. The deal, announced Sunday, secures Fabbro's place in Columbus through the 2028-29 season.

Fabbro, 27, was acquired by the Blue Jackets off waivers from the Nashville Predators on November 10, 2024. He quickly became a valuable asset to the team, recording nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points in 62 games with Columbus. He also averaged almost 22 minutes of ice time per game and posted a plus-23 rating. Including his time with the Predators, Fabbro finished the 2024-25 season with 26 points and a plus-20 rating in 68 games.

Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell expressed his excitement about the signing, stating, "Dante was a great addition to our team last season and keeping him in Columbus was a priority,". He further added, "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's impact on the Blue Jackets was significant. He provided stability to the team's top-four defensemen and played a key role in Zach Werenski's strong season. His steady presence and puck-moving abilities helped the Blue Jackets make a push for the postseason.

Selected 17th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2016 NHL Draft, Fabbro has accumulated 25 goals and 73 assists for 98 points in 377 career games split between the Predators and Blue Jackets. He also has one assist in 17 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Prior to his NHL career, Fabbro played three seasons at Boston University, where he was a two-time Hockey East Second All-Star Team selection.

Internationally, Fabbro has represented Canada on several occasions, winning a gold medal at the 2018 World Junior Championships and a silver medal at the 2019 IIHF World Championship.

With Fabbro's contract extension secured, the Blue Jackets have solidified their defense for the foreseeable future. The right side of their defense now consists of Fabbro, Damon Severson, and Erik Gudbranson. The team still has the option of signing RFA defenseman Jordan Harris for additional depth. According to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the first year of Fabbro's contract includes a no-trade clause.

The Blue Jackets are still active in the market, potentially looking to add another defenseman and a top-six forward. Following the Fabbro signing, they still have over $28.5 million in cap space.