The St. Louis Blues were rumored to be dealing their first round pick in a package for Jason Spezza. Well, that did not happen, as the Blues used the 21st pick to select Robby Fabbri.
Fabbri, a center from the Guelph Storm, is a high end offensive forward who loves to score goals. He played in 58 games with Guelph this season, he scored 45 goals, and added 42 assists. Getting an offensive center who scored 87 points in 58 games in the OHL certainly isn't going to hurt the Blues.
Fabbri has that thing that Darren Pang absolutely love. He's full of gumption. Think Vladimir Sobotka with offensive skill. He's fast, he's gritty for a player his size, and most importantly, he's an offensive player.
His hockey IQ is high and his drive to score is just as high. Fabbri adds something that the Blues desperately needed in their system, a high end, young, centermen. He is the type of player that the Blues have needed into their line up for a long time.
Fabbri is comparable to Mike Cammalleri in his speed, his shot, and his compete level is truly impressive. He has the potential to be a top flight first line center, but he's more likely to fill out as a high end second line center. The talent is there, the only thing he needs do is fill out his frame.
Now many view this as the Blue will not be acquiring Jason Spezza. It's very possible that the Blues do not trade for Spezza. The price for Spezza is high, and it's already been reported that the Blues have talked with Paul Stastny. This could mean that the numbers Stastny wants and the numbers Armstrong is willing to give are close and they could potentially come to an agreement to bring him to St. Louis.
The Blues are likely finished for the day, but I'll be back tomorrow for day two of the draft, and I'll be chatting all day on twitter. You can follow me @Blues_Buzz.