In the world of NHL rumors, the biggest splashes often happen in the first 48 hours of free agency. However, the truly savvy GMs often find their best value deals in the quiet days of August. This brings us to one of the most interesting UFAs still on the board: Robby Fabbri.
After a tough year in Anaheim that saw him pot just eight goals, the market for Fabbri has been understandably cool. But let’s not forget, this is a player who scored 32 points in 68 games for Detroit just a few seasons ago. He has a scoring touch and a tenacious style that, when healthy and confident, can be a real asset. My sources tell me two elite teams are looking past his recent stat line and see a potential high-reward reclamation project.
Fabbri’s Potential Suitors: A Look at the Avalanche and Lightning
The Colorado Avalanche are a fascinating possibility. GM Chris MacFarland is always on the hunt for depth scoring to support his superstar core. The Avs’ bottom six could use a jolt of offensive creativity, and that is Fabbri’s calling card. While his 2024-25 season was a write-off, playing in a system like Colorado’s, surrounded by elite talent, could be the perfect environment to spark a bounce-back. I see him as an ideal candidate for a Professional Tryout (PTO). It’s a no-risk audition for the Avs and a chance for Fabbri to prove he still belongs on a contending team.
Then there’s the Tampa Bay Lightning, the masters of finding diamonds in the rough. GM Julien BriseBois has a long history of bringing in veterans on cheap, one-year deals and getting the most out of them (see: Corey Perry, Pat Maroon). The Bolts’ forward depth isn’t what it once was, and they need cost-effective players who can fill a role. Fabbri fits that mold perfectly. He could slot into their third or fourth line, add a bit of scoring punch, and potentially contribute to the second power-play unit. For a team that is always tight against the salary cap, a low-cost flier on a player with Fabbri’s upside is exactly the kind of move that has kept them in the hunt year after year.
My take? While both teams make sense, the Avalanche feels like a slightly better fit. Their need for secondary scoring is a bit more pronounced, and their high-octane system could be just what the doctor ordered for a player like Fabbri looking to rediscover his offensive game.
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The post 2 Contenders Linked to Free Agent Robby Fabbri appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
