Nashville Predators Shock Fans by Placing Top-Four Right-Handed Defenseman on Waivers

Despite making key acquisitions in the summer such as Jonathan Marchessault and Steven Stamkos, the Predators are dead last in the Central Division, with a 4-9-1 record, leaving many fans to believe changes would within for the team.

A few days ago, General Manager Barry Trotz made a big statement that hinted at a rebuild for the Predators. Now, the team has made a big decision regarding the 16th overall pick in 2017 Dante Fabbro.

Indeed, the organization decided to place the 26-year-old defenseman on waivers.

The insider Elliotte Friedman confirmed the shocking news on X:

In his career, he scored 72 points, including 16 goals in 315 games with the Predators. This season, Fabbro was limited to only six games, often healthy-scratched by head coach Andrew Brunette.

He's not the most physical player and isn't the most mobile on the ice. However, he's good defensively and can contribute offensively. A report from JFresh shed light on his game:

Despite his struggles this season, it wouldn't be surprising to see him being claimed by another team considering the demand for right-handed defensemen in the NHL right now.

At this point of the season, any team could take a chance on him and trade him at the deadline if things don't work out. It's a low-risk, high-reward situation, but the only thing that could come in the way of a team claiming him is his salary. Not all organizations have enough cap room to add the player and his one-year, $2.5 million deal.

The Predators will be back in action tonight against the Utah Hockey Club, and if Trotz doesn't like where his team is going, we feel that Fabbro won't be the only player to pay.