Feels like it’s been a while since we’ve profiled a defenseman in our 2016 Draft Profile Series. Since everyone is so hellbent on hearing about defensemen, I decided to bring one to you all today! We’re going to have a look at one of the best defenders in the BCHL, Dante Fabbro.
With the help of my newly-acquired Future Considerations Draft Guide (you should absolutely purchase this if you have not, it is fantastic), we’re going to talk and learn about what kind of a player this 190-pound blueliner is. I think Fabbro falls under one of my more favorite prospects that will be available to the Red Wings this year.
Player Profile
Name: Dante Fabbro
Position: Defenseman
Born: June 20th, 1998 — New Westminister, BC
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 190 lbs.
Shoots: Right
Kyle’s Analysis
With great poise, and vision, Dante Fabbro could be be considered one of the top-five best two-way defensemen in the entire 2016 Draft Class. Future Considerations has him ranked fifth among defensemen in their final rankings, right behind names like Olli Juolevi and Mikhail Sergachev.
I think Fabbro is a fine prospect, but the competition in the BCHL have inflated his numbers. I don’t exactly see him being a bonafide number-one defender one day, but from what I see, he’s got real potential to be a solid top-four guy. Fabbro has great ability to make a crisp tape-to-tape pass whether it’s up ice, or quarterbacking a power play. He plays an extremely smart game, which is what makes him such a promising player. Instead of relying on his frame, he uses his vision and senses to make great plays in whichever zone he has the puck.
One of the few knocks I have on Fabbro is that he isn’t a terrific skater. I think he has a good pivot, but his stride could certainly be stronger, which would help his acceleration and ability to carry the puck through his zone and into the neutral zone. Fortunately for him, this is something that can be developed. Considering the fact that he will be playing at Boston University – a great developmental program – Fabbro is going to become one hell of a defenseman, and could be a safe pick for any team picking 15-30.
Scout’s Quote from Future Considerations:
“He is very steady and calculated in his decision-making. He doesn’t throw the puck away and he has ice water in his veins. I see Fabbro as a very safe pick; he is going to be an NHL player. However, I don’t know if I ever see him becoming an all-star or even a team’s top-pairing guy.”
Rankings
NHL CSS: 18 (NA Skaters)
Future Considerations: 13
ISS: 19
Bottom Line
If you want defense, you can’t really go wrong with Dante Fabbro. He’s not going to be Erik Karlsson, but I definitely see him being comparable to a guy like Tyson Barrie.
With time, Fabbro will become stronger, he’ll get better at skating, and he’ll grow into his frame. While he’s not a super physical defenseman, he plays an overall cerebral game. What will be the most telling thing about Fabbro is how he adapts coming from the BCHL into the NCAA. I see him spending two to three years in the NCAA before making the jump to pro hockey, but that depends on how he excels, but I digress – Dante Fabbro would be an extremely safe pick for the Red Wings. He can pass, he can make decisions, and he has a bullet of a shot. I’d be happy if they took him at 16th.
Highlights
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