The Detroit Red Wings are trying to take that next step to finally make it into the playoffs for the first time in Steve Yzerman's tenure as general manager. Every year, Detroit has either fallen well out of playoff position, or they fall just short of clinching a spot.
This offseason, Yzerman addressed their biggest need, goaltending, by acquiring John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks. Besides that big move, Detroit stood pat for the most part and is banking on their current roster under contract.
There is a chance for the Red Wings, or any team for that matter, to add players in training camp as part of a professional tryout (PTO). There are still some recognizable names available on the open market. One of them is Robby Fabbri, who previously played for Detroit. However, the team shouldn't make it a priority to bring him back.
Robby Fabbri reunion doesn't make sense for Red Wings
Fabbri played for Detroit back in the 2019-20 season when he was traded by the St. Louis Blues. During his time with the team, Fabbri played for 234 games in his five seasons with the team, scoring 66 goals and dishing out 61 assists.
But Fabbri's tenure in Detroit was marred by injuries, notably undergoing multiple knee surgeries, including one for a torn ACL. Simply put, Fabbri has shown not to be able to play an entire season for a team.
Besides the injury history, there isn't much of a fit for Fabbri. He's a center, and the team's top four centers are essentially locked in. Dylan Larkin is the top center, followed by Marco Kasper, J.T. Compher, and Andrew Copp. So, Fabbri would have to move over to a wing spot, if even that. Other than that, he is essentially center depth.
Plus, the Red Wings would be banking on nostalgia, hoping that he could put up more than 30 points a season. Last year with the Anaheim Ducks, Fabbri put up just 16 points (eight goals and eight assists) in 44 games played.
While it never hurts to bring in a recognizable name for a tryout, the fit really isn't there for Fabbri.