With the 17th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators have selected defenseman Dante Fabbro.
Here’s what the experts have said about him leading up to the draft.
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Dante Fabbro
defenseman
Penticton Vees (BCHL)
18, 6’1”, 185 lbs.
RANKINGS
McKeen’s: #24
ISS: #19
The Hockey News: #17
HockeyProspect.com: #11
Future Considerations: #13
Central Scouting: #18 (North American skaters)
Craig Button, TSN Director of Scouting: #15
Bob McKenzie, TSN: #16
Dan Friedman of Dump & Chase: #30
McKeen’s
“Fabbro was the top-scoring defenceman during the BCHL regular season, but in 26 other games – including the Ivan Hlinka, WJAC and U-18 tournaments – Fabbro failed to score a goal, raising some questions about his overall offensive upside… Fabbro will play at least a season or two at Boston University before making the jump to the pros, and it will be hoped that his skating and offensive game continue to develop.”
The Hockey News
“Slightly overshadowed by Penticton teammate Tyson Jost’s bonkers season, Fabbro put up stunning numbers himself – and he did so from the blueline… Fabbro looks like a safe pick. He is committed to Boston University next season and the Terriers excel at developing talent under coach David Quinn. Fabbro will join a blueline corps laden with NHL draft picks but he’ll also get a chance to make an impact right away… Fabbro earned the BCHL top defenseman award.”
ISS
“Mobile puck moving defensemen led BCHL defensemen in points with 67 and was named 1st team All Star. Fabbro was also very good throughout the U18 World Championships in Grand Forks. Smooth skater and good passer with tremendous vision. He logs a lot of minutes for his team and was relied on in every situation. He is a smooth skating mobile defender with good vision and rarely panics or turns the puck over. Always under control and makes very few mistakes.”
EliteProspects.com
“Dante Fabbro is a dependable two-way defenseman with high offensive upside. He plays with poise and makes mature, high-percentage decisions under pressure. In his own end, he is proactive with both his body and stick, and does everything right to interrupt passing lanes and win back possession. With the puck on his stick, he is mobile at an elite level and can direct plays like a quarterback. He possesses a hard and accurate release on his shot, that he gets off quickly and on-net.”
Dan Friedman
“Along with Tyson Jost, Fabbro was an enhanced specimen playing amongst mere naturals in the BCHL, and he showed that he’s very sharp at both ends of the ice. I think he’ll be a top-four defenseman in the NHL if he develops properly, and he’s going to a very good place to do so at Boston University next season. “
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