People get new countertops all the time. Why would there be damage?

Just want to make sure of the risks... Sounds like it will be ok from other comments... :)

Most fabricators can remove the old granite for you, sometimes at an additional cost. I would let them remove the granite in case there is any damage

Yes there is a risk of damage. There is a risk of damage in a new build with new cabs & stone. Get a reputable fabricator/installer to do the job & you will be fine.

I had a small area of damage where the wood chipped off. It's cherry, so not as hard as maple or oak. It's not noticeable unless you get down on the floor. It was years before I saw it.

Certainly if the person(s) doing the job are incompetent, then there is a huge risk of all sorts of damage. I wasn't thinking that the OP would be attempting the job themselves.

96inches from the middle of the sink to the left of the sink... I think that is good news