The NHL trade market is buzzing with surprising moves, and two notable players find themselves in the spotlight.
Two former first-round picks hit the waiver wire! Robby Fabbri of the St. Louis Blues and Luke Kunin of the Florida Panthers, both with substantial NHL experience, are now available for claiming. But here's the twist: despite their impressive resumes, they've become journeymen in recent years.
Fabbri's situation isn't entirely unexpected. With the return of Robert Thomas from injury, the Blues had to make a move. Fabbri, once a top prospect for the team, signed a one-year deal worth $775k after unsuccessful attempts with other clubs. He managed just one goal and three assists in 15 games this season, a far cry from his 18 goals in 68 games two seasons ago. But here's where it gets controversial: despite his shooting percentage being unsustainable, his possession metrics remain underwhelming.
And this is the part most people miss: Fabbri's low cap hit makes him an attractive option, but a claim is still unlikely. If unclaimed, he'll head to the AHL, a league he's barely played in. The Blues, ranked 31st, are better off giving their younger players a chance. Fabbri's NHL career might be winding down, but he leaves behind a remarkable 457 games, 220 points, and a Stanley Cup victory.
Kunin, on the other hand, brings a similarly low cap hit that expires this summer. Once a promising first-round pick, he's now a fourth-liner known for his grit. With only four points in 44 games, he's been a depth player for the Panthers. But his story takes an interesting turn. After a solid stint with Nashville, he was traded to San Jose, where he embraced a physical style but never reached significant point totals.
The real debate starts here: between the two, Kunin seems more likely to be claimed. Players like him are often sought after at this point in the season. He was traded at last year's deadline for a fourth-round pick, and while his performance this year hasn't been stellar, teams can acquire him for minimal cost. A fresh start could be just what he needs.
As the NHL trade deadline approaches, these moves create intriguing possibilities. Will Fabbri and Kunin find new homes, or will they continue their journeyman paths? The fate of these experienced players hangs in the balance, leaving fans and analysts alike eager to see what's next.
