St. Louis Blues: Robby Fabbri Entering Make Or Break Year
By Jason Martin
The St. Louis Blues have a deep forward system, and Robby Fabbri figures to be a big part of the team next year, but it may be his last chance to make an impact.
St. Louis Blues forward Robby Fabbri was one of the most highly touted prospects in the Blues’ system, but his career has gotten off to a slow start and his time to turn it around is running out.
Fabbri is still only 23 years old, and he has already experienced back-to-back ACL injuries which resulted in an injury-plagued season in 2016-17, and a lackluster offensive season in 2018-19.
There is still all the potential in the world for Fabbri to make an impact on the Blues for the next handful of years. He is just three years removed from an 18-goal season in his rookie year.
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Fabbri signed a one-year deal early in the offseason and will become a restricted free agent at the end of the year.
He could be a prime trade candidate in the middle of the season if the Fabbri ends up playing up to his potential. However, if he is playing well, the Blues might be more inclined to hold on to him for another chance.
The 23-year-old certainly has the history of having a potent shot.
He tore up the Ontario Hockey League in juniors, registering 171 points in 147 games for the Guelph Storm. In 2013 alone, Fabbri netted 45 goals and 42 assists in 58 games including a 13-goal performance in the offseason.
Unfortunately, Fabbri’s injury history may have caused a lack of confidence in his game. Last season was his first full year back from injury, but his lack of performance kept him out of the lineup regularly.
The winger appeared in just 32 games for St. Louis last year, netting only two goals and four assists. Fabbri did find himself in 10 postseason games, scoring once against the Dallas Stars in game one.
Heading into training camp, there are a variety of Blues who need to put on a good showing, but Fabbri may be at the top of the list.
He will have a lot of players to compete with, including young players like Jordan Kyrou, Mackenzie MacEachern, and possible Klim Kostin.
Looking at a potential lineup right now, Fabbri might be on the outside looking in. Unless he can put on a great performance in camp, he may start the season in San Antonio or as a healthy scratch.
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Maybe another offseason of recovery will benefit Fabbri for next year. However, with a short offseason, it sets up for an important preseason for the 23-year-old, or it could spell the end of Fabbri in a Blues sweater.