Toronto Maple Leafs Should Target Former Nashville Predators Defenseman After Surprising Waiver Move

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Chris Gerics
November 9, 2024 (9:05 PM)

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It's not often you get a Top-4 defenseman on waivers, but as Dante Fabbro was placed there by Nashville on Saturday, Toronto needs to scoop him up; ASAP.

GM Barry Trotz and the Nashville Predators sent a bit of a shockwave through the NHL on Saturday, placing defenseman Dante Fabbro on waivers. It could be the first step toward a full-on rebuild and start a domino effect for the team.

It's a shocking decision that shows Trotz means business when it comes to reshaping the team. Fabbro had seen his minutes slide, but he is still an NHL Top 4 defenseman.

Who is Dante Fabbro?

Fabbro, a former 17th overall pick in 2016 by the Predators, was a very solid contributor in his first few seasons, averaging over 19 minutes, 3 goals, and 12 assists from 2019-2022.

He's seen a nearly four-minute drop since then and has dropped to only 13 minutes a night this year. It's a huge drop-off, but there is so much untapped potential still available. He does everything pretty well but doesn't stick out in any category.

For his career, Fabbro has played in 315 games (all with Nashville) and has 16 goals and 56 assists in his career. His best season came in 2021-22 when he had 3 goals and 21 assists but has gone pointless so far in 2024-25.

Where Does Dante Fabbro Fit On The Maple Leafs Defense?

Fabbro is the perfect candidate for a third-line pairing with the Maple Leafs. For as good as Conor Timmins has been, Fabbro offers a bit more upside and has that experience edge. He would also be an improvement over Simon Benoit who has struggled.

A duo of Fabbro and a returning Jani Hakanpaa could be scary for the opposition. Having the behemoth Hakanpaa hold ground while Fabbro can execute more offensively is a potential recipe for success, and a huge boost to the Maple Leafs in general.

It would add to Toronto's already potent defense, as Chris Tanev and Jake McCabe have formed quite the tandem this season.

He doesn't currently fit within the cap for Toronto, but with a trade and waiver assignment, Toronto can definitely clear enough space, and they should.

It's not often a right-handed defenseman in his prime gets put on the open market, and Brad Treliving needs to pounce before he loses out on a potential centerpiece of his lineup.