NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Robby Fabbri’s return to the St. Louis Blues has been a moment he longed for since leaving the team, and on Thursday, he stepped back onto the ice wearing the Bluenote once again. Selected by the Blues as a first-round pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, Fabbri expressed his excitement about rejoining the team he holds fond memories with, especially after a challenging period in his career.
Fabbri, now 29, found himself back in a Blues locker room following a morning skate ahead of their game against the Nashville Predators. He shared his joy and anticipation about being back, particularly given the hurdles he has faced, including two significant knee injuries during his previous tenure in St. Louis. “You get that feeling when I’ve come back from my injuries…to get back out here and do it in a Blue Note again is going to be really exciting,” he said.
Having signed a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 in the NHL and $300,000 in the AHL, Fabbri joins a team facing a number of injury challenges among forwards. He reflected on his difficult summer where he sought a contract following stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Florida Panthers but didn’t secure an agreement until his return to the Blues. The recent birth of his second daughter has provided a welcome distraction during this busy time.
Fabbri’s familiarity with current teammates like Brayden Schenn, Robert Thomas, and others from the 2019 Stanley Cup-winning team is expected to ease his transition back into the lineup. “He knows enough guys in this room… He feels right back at home again,” Schenn stated, emphasizing Fabbri’s positive energy and leadership attributes.
Fabbri indicated that he has matured as a player during his time away from St. Louis. “I’ve obviously grown up off the ice, but I think my game’s matured,” he said, noting his improved positioning and versatility on the ice. Blues coach Jim Montgomery highlighted Fabbri as an offensive player with proven skills, emphasizing his speed and competitiveness, which should greatly enhance the team’s performance.
As the Blues prepare to face the Predators, they aim to regain their competitive edge on the ice. Montgomery is reuniting veteran defensemen Cam Fowler and Colton Parayko, along with Philip Broberg and Justin Faulk, in an effort to revitalize their defense as they address a recent decline in play. The changes come as the team seeks to improve their D-zone coverage and overall effectiveness on the ice.
The matchup against Nashville will see the Blues, currently holding an 11-13-7 record, striving to reignite their season as they welcome back familiar faces and establish momentum in the games ahead. Robby Fabbri’s return not only symbolizes hope but also reflects resilience and determination—a narrative that resonates with teammates and fans alike.