Maple Leafs eye hometown hero Fabbri for high-stakes redemption
The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the hunt for another top-six forward, and the name on many lips is Robby Fabbri, a former Stanley Cup champion with a compelling story of resilience. Although the team has bolstered its depth with signings like Nic Roy, Dakota Joshua, and Michael Pezzetta, these additions primarily fill out the bottom-six roles rather than elevate the offensive core.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Opportunity
NHL analyst Jeremy Tingly of LeafsNation advocates for the Maple Leafs to extend a professional tryout offer to Fabbri. The 29-year-old forward, who hails from Mississauga, has faced his share of adversity, notably undergoing three ACL surgeries that have hampered his career. “Talk about bad luck,” Tingly remarked. “Fabbri played a combined 42 games for Craig Berube on the Blues’ Stanley Cup-winning team in 2018-2019.”
Last season, Fabbri skated in 44 games for the Anaheim Ducks, where he managed eight goals and eight assists while averaging 16:12 of ice time, including contributions on the Ducks’ second power play unit. Tingly believes Fabbri could challenge young talents like Nick Robertson and Easton Cowan for a roster spot, providing valuable middle-six depth.
A Proven Offensive Threat
Fabbri’s potential is undeniable. Just two seasons ago, he netted 18 goals in 68 games with the Detroit Red Wings. His ability to produce when healthy makes him an attractive option for the Maple Leafs. Tingly emphasized, “There’s no denying when healthy, he’s a legit offensive threat… Regardless, they should be reaching out to see if he’s interested in attending training camp on a tryout.”
His career high stands at 37 points, and with a history of injuries, his signing would represent a calculated risk for Toronto. If Fabbri can regain his form, he could add significant firepower to the Maple Leafs’ lineup.
The Berube Connection
A notable factor in pursuing Fabbri is his established relationship with Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube. The two worked together for parts of two seasons in St. Louis, where Fabbri was integral to the Blues’ championship run. Berube has previously praised Fabbri, stating, “He’s a great kid and a hard-working guy. He fell on some injuries around here, and we wish him all the best.” This trust could facilitate Fabbri’s integration into the Maple Leafs’ system.
A Competitive Roster Landscape
As the Maple Leafs prepare for training camp, adding Fabbri could enhance the competitive landscape within the roster. Despite already having an abundance of forwards, Fabbri’s addition would foster healthy competition among the players. Berube emphasized the importance of this rivalry, noting, “There’s a lot of competition at camp. I think it makes for a competitive camp, and that’s what we want, because that’s gonna get us more prepared for the regular season. You gotta come in and play your ass off and earn a spot.”
The Maple Leafs are set to open their season against the Montreal Canadiens on October 8, and as they finalize their roster, the potential signing of Robby Fabbri could serve as a strategic move aimed at both bolstering their offensive capabilities and providing a path for redemption for a player eager to reclaim his place in the NHL.
