Scouting Report: Robby Fabbri, C, Guelph (OHL)

Central Scouting Rank: 21st

Bio

2013-14 Stats

Overview

If there's one player who's draft stock has risen highest over the course of the 2013-14 season, it's Robby Fabbri.

Not only did he finish third in scoring on a loaded, OHL-champion Guelph Storm team, he also scored 13 goals and added 18 assists in 16 playoff games, earning the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as the Playoffs MVP despite missing time with a head injury.

The 18-year-old followed that up with an impressive two goal, four assist effort in six Memorial Cup games, and has gone from a questionable first-round pick to a potential top-10 selection over the course of the season.

The one knock on Fabbri is his size, which is seen as lacking for a bona fide NHL centre. He makes up for it, however, with his wealth of speed and skill and a complete willingness to battle along the boards and in front of the net. He has demonstrated an ability to play a complete 200-foot game, with high-end stick handling, passing and shooting skills that make him a threat to score or create chances anytime he hits the ice.

It would not be surprising to see Fabbri's name on the board as high as eight (a pick owned by the Toronto Maple Leafs), and the Winnipeg Jets (9), Nashville Predators (11) Phoenix Coyotes (12), and Dallas Stars (14) may be quick to snap him up if available.

Pro Comparison

Zach Parise, Brendan Gallagher, Jeff Skinner

Scouts Are Saying

NHL Scout, via Sportsnet

Size never stops him from going where he has to go and he’s willing to take a hit, even a big hit , to make a play. No fear whatsoever. And it’s not a case of a young guy doing well because he’s around a lot of really good players. … one of the kids who sets the tone and makes things go for the team. He’s a greasy kid you’d love to have on your team and hate to play against. I’ll take one of those any day.”

Corey Pronman, ESPN

Fabbri put up a lot of points on a very gifted OHL team, but then again, he was a big part of why they scored so many goals. Fabbri is an above-average skater who has good natural speed, but with his great work ethic he's a player who jets up and down the ice. Fabbri gets on defensemen quickly, and his skating makes him a dangerous short-handed goal threat on the penalty kill. Fabbri sees his options well, understands where to be and what plays to make to generate scoring chances. He's got an accurate shot, although it could use more zip. He's not the biggest guy (5-10, 166 pounds), and that's his biggest weakness, if not his only real notable issue. Fabbri does battle really well, however, and will initiate contact, which is an element you want to see in the smaller players.

Highlights