Value of Fabbro

Branny for Fabbro? Idk, but if Ottawa is looking at moving Brannstrom anyway, I'd rather keep Mete at least.

His value is hard to gauge.

Hasn't really had the best start to his career, but still has a lot of potential. Has already played top 4 minutes over the past two seasons, but that might not have been the best move for his development. He should still be a reliable top 4 guy when he puts it all together, but he's just not quite there yet. He's signed for cheap for two more seasons, so not sure NSH would be too keen on trading him right now (especially after losing Ellis). However, they have Myers + Carrier at RD that are still young and signed for 2 years as well -- I could see one of those 3 being traded over the next two seasons. This is really a make or break year for Fabbro. If he can't show that he deserves a top 4 spot over Myers or Carrier, then he's likely the one on the block. But in that scenario, his trade value would probably be lower.

In a trade with OTT, they'd be looking for a young forward. Maybe they could make a deal around someone like Formenton. Not sure exactly what it would look like, but just spitballing. The two 2nds you've offered isn't bad value either, but I think they'd want a player + pick or something, depending on the player. Right now you're probably overpaying in terms of raw value -- but not sure it's the pieces NSH would be interested in.

After dealing Ellis away, I'm pretty sure Fabbro jumps up to the top pairing. I don;t know his exact value, but I doubt they'd trade him for a quantity over quality package.

Carrier had an excellent season last year, and is likely penciled in on the top pairing. Fabbro will be competing with Myers for 2nd pairing minutes.

Personally, I've really liked Fabbro's game when he's been paired with Josi (i.e. Ellis injury/Winter Classic) and yes, Carrier was excellent last season. I love to see Carrier paired with Ekholm (like an Ellis-Ekholm pairing 2.0) and put Fabbro up with Josi and let him play a quiet, calm stay-at-home game that I think his skillset is better suited for. Fabbro and Ekholm or both great complimentary defenseman to more free-wheeling offensive defenseman. That's why I think that pairing of Fabbro-Ekholm hasn't entirely worked out. I see Fabbro as more of a stay-at-home defenseman with some offensive upside and pairing him with Josi would allow Fabbro to stay back and see the game and shore up his defense. Or it could have the adverse effect. Only one way to find out.