SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Wild have added forward Robby Fabbri to their roster, claiming him off waivers from the St. Louis Blues, the team announced Monday. The move comes as the Wild also placed forward Marcus Foligno on Injured Reserve due to a lower-body injury. This roster adjustment signals a strategic shift for Minnesota as they navigate the remainder of the NHL season and prepare for a playoff push.
Fabbri, 30, brings a decade of NHL experience to the Wild, having previously played for the Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, and the Blues. He has recorded four points (one goal and three assists) in 15 games with St. Louis this season, and added two points in three games with the American Hockey League’s Charlotte Checkers. Throughout his career, Fabbri has amassed 220 points (107 goals and 113 assists) in 457 regular-season games. The Wild are hoping the veteran forward can provide a scoring boost and depth to their forward lines.
A Stanley Cup Champion Joins the Wild
Fabbri’s resume includes a Stanley Cup championship with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, where he tallied 16 points in 30 playoff games. His playoff experience could prove valuable as the Wild aim to build a deep run in the postseason. He was originally selected by the Blues in the first round (21st overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft and has consistently demonstrated an ability to contribute offensively throughout his career. Prior to his NHL career, Fabbri excelled in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Guelph Storm, where he recorded 171 points in 147 games.
The addition of Fabbri is particularly notable given the timing, as teams prepare for the upcoming NHL trade deadline. While not a traditional trade acquisition, claiming a player off waivers allows the Wild to bolster their roster without surrendering assets. According to a report from The Athletic, Minnesota has been considered one of the more active teams leading up to the deadline, following a significant trade for Quinn Hughes in December.
Foligno’s Injury Creates Roster Space
The placement of Marcus Foligno on Injured Reserve opened up a roster spot for Fabbri. Foligno’s lower-body injury is a blow to the Wild, as he is a physical presence and a key contributor to their bottom-six forward group. The team has not announced a timeline for Foligno’s return, but placing him on IR suggests he will be sidelined for at least seven days. This injury underscores the importance of roster depth, and Fabbri’s arrival provides a needed replacement.
Fabbri’s OHL and International Success
Before reaching the NHL, Fabbri established himself as a dominant force in the OHL. With the Guelph Storm, he ranked second in points and goals during the 2013-14 season, contributing to their Memorial Cup victory. He was awarded the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as playoff MVP, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Fabbri also represented Canada on the international stage, winning a Gold Medal at the 2015 IIHF Under-20 World Junior Championship, where he registered six points in five games.
The Minnesota Wild will appear to integrate Fabbri into their lineup quickly, with their next game scheduled for tomorrow against the Tampa Bay Lightning at 8:30 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on TNT, truTV, HBO MAX, and KFAN FM 100.3. The addition of a proven scorer like Fabbri could be a significant boost as the Wild continue their pursuit of a playoff berth. The team hopes he can replicate some of the success he experienced with the Blues, including his Stanley Cup run.
The Wild’s acquisition of Fabbri highlights their commitment to strengthening their roster for a playoff push. The team will be closely monitoring his performance as they evaluate their options leading up to the trade deadline. The coming weeks will be crucial for Minnesota as they aim to solidify their position in the Western Conference standings.
Fans can find the latest updates on the Minnesota Wild and Robby Fabbri’s debut on the team’s official website at NHL.com/Wild.
We encourage you to share your thoughts on the Wild’s newest addition and the team’s playoff prospects in the comments below.
