Robby Fabbri Top 30 NHL Draft Prospect

After a very busy weekend in the world of hockey we’re back with another edition of top 30 NHL prospects leading up to the draft in June. Today we take a trip down to Guelph to look at Storm forward Robby Fabbri.

Of all draft eligible players available in June, none were as successful at improving their stock as Robby Fabbri. Heading into the season Fabbri was lucky to be taken in the second round, now there’s talk of him going in the top 15 of the first round. Not a bad season for the Storm forward. Both Fabbri and the Storm had a stellar season advancing all the way through to the Memorial Cup Final. He recorded 87 points in 58 games with the Storm throughout the regular season and added 28 in 16 playoff games. At the Memorial Cup he added another 6 points in 4 games.

Overall not a bad season for Fabbri who walks away with an OHL Championship, the OHL playoff MVP award and a Ivan Hlinka gold medal at the U18’s.

What Will A Team Get If They Draft Him?

 Robby is the most dynamic 17-year-old forward to come through the Storm organization since Jeff O’Neill. Absolutely driven to be an elite NHL player. 

Any team that takes a gamble on Robby Fabbri in the first round is going to get a determined player. Fabbri is determined to become an NHL star and have a solid impact with his NHL team. He has a stellar forecheck which is fuelled by his inability to play at anything less than full speed. He gives it his all every shift, no matter what the situation may be. However you’re more likely to get assists out of Fabbri who chooses to set up his linemates and looks for the pass whenever he can, before choosing to shoot the puck himself.

Fabbri utilizes his speed and quick feet to gain open ice and can be quite tough for opposition to contain. He’s one of the best skaters with his extremely fast feet and moves easily across the ice with great mobility. He’s the kind of guy who wants to win at all costs and that became evident during the Storms playoff run this season, he can easily become a driving force for any NHL team. Robby Fabbri never quits on any play and always keeps his feet moving at all costs, there’s not much to dislike about the Storm’s playoff MVP. 

His Underrated skill

For Robby Fabbri his most underrated skill is his physicality. He’s not one of the biggest guys on the ice, yet he doesn’t let that bother him. He’s not one to shy away from the rough play and mix it up with opponents. He’s a very aggressive and physical player, who just loves to hit on the forecheck and force those turnovers. Fabbri is also not afraid to go to the net and battle with bigger and stronger defencemen for possession.

What Needs To Be Worked On

Robby Fabbri is almost the complete package. He’s got a never quit attitude both on offence and defence, loves to score goals and set up his teammates and isn’t afraid to throw the body. Sounds great right? The only drawback on Fabbri, and sadly the one he can’t help, is his size. At just 5 f00t 10 and 166 pounds, Fabbri lacks the size needed to be an effective player in the NHL. Whether it be in a top six scoring role or more of a role player on the third line, he doesn’t have the size. His size alone is what may cause him to fall out of the first round at the draft. If he can at least bulk up or add another few inches, he’ll have no problem adjusting to the NHL game.