Preds Defenseman Talks Offseason Travels, Training and Goals for the Upcoming Season
We may be in the dog days of summer, but the Nashville Predators already have their sights set on the 2023-24 season.
After taking some well-deserved time away to rest their bodies and minds during the summer months, a handful of Preds players are already back training and hitting the ice together at Centennial Sportsplex to prepare for the start of training camp in September.
One of those players is defenseman Dante Fabbro, who signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract at the 2023 NHL trade deadline to remain in Nashville for the 2023-24 season. He checked in to give an update on what he’s been up to this summer and discuss his goals and expectations for next season:
Favorite vacation/trip this summer?
Golfing in Ireland and sister Gina’s wedding in Squamish, British Columbia
Favorite summer activity in Nashville?
Golf at Troubadour and Golf Club of Tennessee
New free-agent signing you are most looking forward to playing with this season?
“Honestly, all of them. I think everyone brings a different aspect to the team and what we want to do. So, I think I’m just more excited to meet them and get on the ice with them and see how everything kind of clicks.”
Which of your teammates from last season are you most excited about in 2023-24?
“Tommy Novak and Cody Glass. Last year, I think they took massive steps, so it’ll be kind of cool to see them jump right back into how they were playing last year and to see what they can do.”
What are your personal goals for this season?
“I always try to set them pretty high. I think just staying here all summer has been good. I’m working out with [Strength and Conditioning Coach Trainer David Good] and just being around the facility with the training staff and team, which has been good. I’ve set a couple of goals, like gaining a little bit more weight and getting a little faster. We’ve obviously still got a couple of months to go before camp, but I’ve definitely been making strides in those areas.”
“Obviously, last year didn’t go the way I wanted it to. I struggled a little bit for the first half of the year, but I was able to find my way kind of towards the end. So I want to build off how I finished, and I’ll try to take another step this year, too, to produce a little bit more offense and be a little more involved in plays.”
Have you talked with new Head Coach Andrew Brunette about his vision for your role on the team this season?
“We had a quick meeting just after the press conference when he was hired here. Asking other players who’ve played under him, there’s been nothing but great things said. Training camp’s tough, but everyone’s trying to prove their worth so I think you’ve just got to come into camp as ready as possible and kind of earn your position.”
