Dante Fabbro signed a four-year, $16,5 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday. It has an average annual value of $4.125 million and runs through the 2028-29 season.
The 27-year-old defenseman could have been an unrestricted free agent Tuesday.
"Obviously, it kind of came pretty close down to the wire here, but I thought the negotiations were going well and I think each and every day we were making progress on what we found fair on both sides and ultimately came down to the final offer there," Fabbro said Monday.
Fabbro was claimed by the Blue Jackets off waivers from the Nashville Predators on Nov. 10, 2024, and had 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists) in 62 games after six games without a point for the Predators.
"For myself, from Day 1 after the season, I had made my intentions clear that I wanted to be back in Columbus," Fabbro said. "I just couldn't be more happy to be back part of this organization and back in that locker room with all those guys.
"Coming into Columbus, I just wanted to obviously prove a point and show people that I do belong here. And fortunately enough, I had a great year and was able to have a career year. A big credit to our team and the way we play."
Selected by Nashville in the first round (No. 17) of the 2016 NHL Draft, Fabbro has 98 points (25 goals, 73 assists) in 377 regular-season games and one assist in 17 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
“Dante was a great addition to our team last season, and keeping him in Columbus was a priority,” Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said. “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.”
NHL.com independent correspondent Craig Merz contributed to this report
