Specs
Team: Guelph Storm (OHL)
Hometown: Missigauga, Ontario
DOB: January 22, 1996
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 170
Shoots: Left
Projected: First Round
Profile
Although diminutive in size, Robby Fabbri has been an offensive force and a solid defensive asset for the Guelph Storm in the OHL. One of the best skaters in the draft, Fabbri uses elusiveness, hands, and a quick release to put points on the board. Along with those skills, he shows a great compete level, which is always good for someone fighting the uphill battle of a sub-6-foot player trying to make his way to the NHL.
Fabbri has put up a significant amount of points this year for Guelph under head coach Scott Walker. If he was two inches taller he would probably be one of the more looked-at players in the draft but as of right now he is flying under the radar. If he continues to fly under the radar he could be a very good steal for the team that picks him much like Jeff Skinner was in 2010 (one of Fabbri’s inspirations), to a lesser degree.
Quotes
“I just want to be as consistent as possible,” Fabbri explained. “That would the biggest thing, along with showing that size isn’t going to be an issue. I want to show that I play bigger than I am and I’m strong defensively.”
Although his smallish frame might steer away some teams, Guelph Storm forward Robby Fabbri is a player who has shown extremely well. He’s got an innate ability to sneak into scoring areas uncontested and strike quickly. Fabbri displays great hands and hockey sense so productive numbers naturally follow him. His skating is top-end featuring quick first steps and elusive edgework, both elements that contribute to his success as an undersized player. Fabbri thinks the game at an advanced level, possesses a competitive attitude and if size wasn’t a consideration, he’d be considered a top 10 pick. Don’t be surprised to see him as a top player years from now as his potential is very high.
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Where He Would Fit
Fabbri has been projected to go anywhere from in the top ten in the draft to around the mid-twenties. This means it’s really going to be a gut call by the Predators if they draft him. Knowing Scott Walker could help because he has seen him play more than anyone and he could give him a better idea about where he sits on the Predators’ draft depth chart. Should the Predators choose to draft him, Fabbri would be a solid pickup. With a lot of offensive skill, a responsible defensive game, and hard work, he is one of those players any NHL team would like to have.
Currently, the Predators have Leipsic up the left side in their pipeline and Aberg could be suited up that side as well but neither of them project to be first-line left wings. Unless they greatly improve, the Predators will not have a true number one left-winger in their prospect pool. This, of course, is secondary to getting a true top-line center but a strong left wing could make for a nice consolation prize.