June 20, 2025 | 2:02pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

BLUE JACKETS, FABBRO TALKS JUST UNDERWAY

Dante Fabbro, defenceman

The Columbus Blue Jackets have started contract negotiations with defenceman Dante Fabbro on a new deal, TFP’s David Pagnotta has confirmed.

Despite reports suggesting a deal may be on the horizon, two separate sources told TFP talks have just begun, and a deal is not yet close.

Fabbro, who turned 27 today, will see his current one-year, $2.5 million deal expire June 30, making him eligible to become an unrestricted free agent July 1 if he remains unsigned.

With over $40 million in salary cap space, the Blue Jackets are expected to be aggressive this off-season and are hoping to get both Fabbro and fellow blueliner Ivan Provorov locked up to new deals.

In 62 games with the Blue Jackets this season, Fabbro picked up nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points, along with 40 penalty minutes, after going pointless in six games with the Nashville Predators.

It is unclear as to the type of contract Fabbro is looking for, but he will be due a raise on his next deal that is likely to come in the form of a multi-year contract.