Red Wings Wrap-Up: Fabbri focused on return after injury-shortened season

Robby Fabbri has worked hard setting himself apart from his opponents with his competitiveness.

And despite suffering a season-ending torn ACL against the Minnesota Wild on March 10, the Detroit Red Wings forward isn't going to let fear of re-injury change the way he plays.
"I don't think it's in me, as a player or as a person, to take a step back," Fabbri said in his end-of-season media session. "Or not play as hard or as fearless as I do. Playing that way has gotten me to where I am now and it's gonna continue to move me forward with my career."

This past season, the 26-year-old proved he is one of Detroit's most consistent offensive players when healthy by recording 17 goals and 13 assists in 56 games.
"I'm the type of player who just controls what I can control," Fabbri said on Dec. 14. "And that's how I'm playing."
Fabbri started his sixth NHL season strong by tallying 14 points on eight goals and six assists in 28 games from Oct. 14 - Dec. 10.
"The fun part is keeping it going and keep trying to improve each and every game," he said on Oct. 27. "I'm extremely happy with where I am and what's going on."

And 25 months after acquiring him via trade from the St. Louis Blues, Fabbri's production impressed Detroit's brass enough to sign him to a three-year contract extension on Dec. 14.
When asked about the multi-year deal, Fabbri revealed being part of the Red Wings' future has always been on his mind.
"Definitely, that was the plan going into the season, and ever since I came here, really," the forward said. "It's just such a great group that we've got going in there, and improving each and every year. It's fun to be a part of, and I wanted to be a part of it."
As the season progressed, Fabbri became a fixture on Detroit's second line and embraced occasional assignments as a top-line winger. His versatility proved valuable in big moments, as the Mississauga, Ontario native's six power-play goals tied for first on the team in 2021-22.

This summer, Fabbri's optimism will be critical as he recovers from the third ACL tear of his NHL career. He previously underwent two ACL surgeries in a 19-month span from 2016-17 with the Blues.
"The goal is to get back as soon as possible," he said. "But doing it the right way, doing it safe and making sure this is the last time."
Fabbri is aware of the obstacles he will face on the road to recovery. And while he understands he can't control the future; he knows he can control his approach.
"I've got my mind around it," Fabbri said. "I've got all the knowledge I need to work through this and move forward."