Fairbrother Looks to Bring Physical Presence to Grizzlies Blueline

The Utah Grizzlies announced they have signed Defenseman Gianni Fairbrother for the 2024-25 season.

Fairbrother spent part of last season in the ECHL, appearing in 8 games with the Grizzlies in 2023-24, scoring a goal and two assists. He appeared in one game with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles last season before being reassigned back to Utah.

Fairbrother was selected in the 3rd round (77th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft before being sent to the Colorado Avalanche in the summer of 2023 in exchange for Alex Newhook.

The Vancouver native missed the 2022-23 season due to a knee injury. He spent the entire 2021-22 season with the Laval Rocket of the AHL, totaling a goal and six assists for seven points in 25 games.

The 6-foot, 204-pound Fairbrother played with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips for 5 full seasons from 2016-21. In 160 games with Everett, he registered 83 points (18-65-83). He served as the captain of the Silvertips in the 2020-21 season.

Fairbrother is a left-shooting blueliner who brings a physical style of play and intimidating presence to the Grizzlies’ back end.

Utah begins its 2024-25 regular season opener on Friday, October 18 at Idaho against the Steelheads. The home opener is November 1 against the Allen Americans at Maverik Center.