The Blues can't catch a break.
Robbi Fabbri, their talented young center recovering from a torn ACL last February, will miss the entirety of the 2017-18 season after re-injuring his surgically repaired left knee during a preseason game last week, the team announced Wednesday — one week before ushering in a new year with big expectations.
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The preseason hasn't been kind to St. Louis. Forward depth was going to be a major strength in 2017-18, but a smattering of injuries to key forwards over the last month has begun to chip away at a roster many thought would contend for the Stanley Cup.
Patrik Berglund is out until at least December after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. Zach Sanford, 22, who like Fabbri is integral to St. Louis' youth fabric, dislocated a finger during training camp and will miss 5-6 months following surgery. The Blues also will be without Alexander Steen (hand), their third-leading scorer from a year ago, and defenseman Jay Bouwmeester (ankle) when they drop the puck Oct. 4 against the defending champion Penguins.
Fabbri's loss is especially difficult to bear.
The 21-year-old was penciled in to center the Blues' third line, one of a handful of teams around the league capable of rolling out such consistent scoring threats. He was a virtual lock to improve upon the 29 points he scored in 51 games last season before Feb. 4, when he tore the left ACL in a game against the Penguins.
Fabbri was cleared to play July 31 and had been a full participant in training camp.
It's not entirely clear how Fabbri re-injured the knee. He skated 19:08 in a game against the Capitals Friday and expressed no signs of injury to reporters afterward. He was held out of practice Saturday, and the Blues said he wouldn't play again until being re-evaluated, calling into question his availability for the opener. But it's much worse than orginally feared.
The Blues said general manager Doug Armstrong will take questions Thursday from reporters regarding Fabbri's injury.
