The Toronto Maple Leafs might have a perfect low-risk opportunity sitting right in front of them.
NHL analyst Jeremy Tingly thinks the Leafs should take a shot at Robby Fabbri on a professional tryout (PTO). And he might be onto something.
Fabbri’s got some serious credentials. The 29-year-old forward helped the St. Louis Blues win the Stanley Cup in 2019, and here’s the kicker – he did it under current Leafs coach Craig Berube.
That connection could be huge.
The Leafs have been busy lately, picking up guys like Nic Roy, Dakota Joshua, and Michael Pezzetta. But those players are mostly bottom-six material – the guys who grind it out on the third and fourth lines.
Fabbri could be different. He’s got the skills to compete for a bigger role.
What makes him really interesting is his flexibility. He can play center or wing, which is pretty valuable when injuries hit or lines need shuffling. Last season with the Ducks, he put up decent numbers – eight goals and eight assists in 44 games.
Coach Berube’s known for making players earn their spots. That’s exactly what the Leafs want right now – some real competition for their top-six positions during training camp.
Sure, there’s some risk. Fabbri’s had his share of knee troubles over the years. But when he’s healthy? He can be dangerous. His best season saw him rack up 37 points.
Here’s why it’s such a smart gamble: If Fabbri shows up and isn’t what they’re looking for, the Leafs can walk away without spending a dime. If he works out, they’ve found themselves a skilled forward who already knows their coach’s system.
That’s the kind of low-risk, high-reward move that smart teams make.
