Detroit Red Wings: 5 Best Transactions since 2016

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 11: Robby Fabbri #14 of the Detroit Red Wings takes a second period shot in front of Yanni Gourde #37 of the Tampa Bay Lightning at Little Caesars Arena on March 11, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 11: Robby Fabbri #14 of the Detroit Red Wings takes a second period shot in front of Yanni Gourde #37 of the Tampa Bay Lightning at Little Caesars Arena on March 11, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Detroit General Manager Steve Yzerman continues to make shrewd moves in order to strengthen the Red Wings.  He built the Tampa Bay Lightning into a powerhouse so Red Wings fans are being patient with Detroit’s re-build.

Here is a look at the best transactions for the Detroit Red Wings since 2016.

Acquiring Robby Fabbri from St. Louis

The acquisition of Robby Fabbri has turned out to be an excellent deal for Detroit.  Fabbri was a 1st round draft pick, 21st overall, by St. Louis in 2014.

He played three seasons of junior hockey with Guelph (OHL) including an OHL Championship in 2014 when he played with Tyler Bertuzzi and recent Red Wings signee Pius Suter.

After winning a Stanley Cup with St. Louis in 2019, the oft-injured Fabbri was deemed expendable by the Blues when they shipped him to Detroit for Jacob De La Rose.

Fabbri has been terrific for Detroit scoring 24 goals and 49 points in 82 games since being acquired.  He has one season of his contract remaining before he can become an UFA next summer.

De La Rose was picked up off the waiver wire from Montreal in 2018.  In 76 games with Detroit, De La Rose scored four goals and 13 points.

Now 26, De La Rose played 47 games with St. Louis scoring one goal and six points.  He recently signed a three year contract to return to Sweden and play for Farjestad (SHL).