The Detroit Red Wings still have their rough games, but in the midst of it all there have been a lot of positives. Robby Fabbri falls into this category.
It’s time to anoint him a member of the Core. Without him, who knows if the positives would be as plentiful.
The bump to the Anthony Mantha–Dylan Larkin line shows Jeff Blashill has bought into the idea. His chemistry with Filip Zadina and lately Larkin has boosted the contribution he’s had against the better teams this past week.
The Red Wings Won the Fabbri Trade
It’s insane to think that all it took to snag Fabbri from St. Louis was Jacob de La Rose. In 44 games over two seasons with St. Louis, de La Rose has six points. Six. Only one goal. He’s also now on injury reserve which cuts into any production he could have had.
Meanwhile, Fabbri has 46 points (23-23) in 75 games. He leads the teams in goals and this coming after missing two weeks due to Covid protocol. Though it could be argued he’s overachieving a bit, the counter to this is that as the team improves, so too will his contribution on the ice. With a number of contracts of aging players set to expire this offseason, it allows Yzerman to add the guys that fit his scheme and blueprint. These players tend to have high hockey IQ, speed, and elite puck moving skill.
Once again, this should only benefit a player who’s producing on a team starving for points.
Fabbri is Part of the Red Wings Core
Leading the team in scoring, barely 25 years of age, and being flexible enough to contribute on any line he’s placed on, it’s official that Fabbri’s name should be included in the core. There’s some agreement here, too:
The void left when Andreas Athanasiou was dealt to Edmonton was filled by Fabbri. Though he doesn’t have the game breaking speed Double A has, he has the scoring knack, and the puck on his stick when the team needs a scoring chance. According to Evolving Hockey, His G/60 is 1.4 while his GAR is 5.1.
Though he’ll most likely cool off as he did last year after a hot start, there really shouldn’t be a debate on whether or not he’s a critical member of the roster.
Fabbri is absolutely a member of the Red Wings’ core.