According to MLive’s Ansar Khan, the Red Wings are feeling good about the fact that Robby Fabbri seems set to start the 2020-2021 season as Detroit’s second-line center:
He is happy to return to his natural position, where he played before being moved to wing when he broke into the NHL with St. Louis.
“I really enjoy it,” Fabbri said. “It was nice to get some games in last year before the pause. I feel comfortable there and I feel effective.”
Fabbri, who turns 25 on Jan. 22, proved to be a good acquisition in a trade with the Blues a month into 2019-20. After two seasons plagued by knee injuries, Fabbri collected 14 goals and 31 points in 51 games, the final few played at center.
Coach Jeff Blashill liked what he saw and kept him there in training camp, even discussing the move with general manager Steve Yzerman.
“He really gives us a chance to have a No. 2 center, a guy that can play in the top six at the center position, and I think he’s excited about it,” Blashill said. “If he plays really well at center, he’ll stay at center. If he doesn’t, then we’ll try to make him a great winger. But right now, our focus is helping him get super-comfortable at center before the year starts and then going out and playing.”
