So instead of bozak getting screwed with bad linemates, barbashev will be screwed with sanford and fabbri instead? Not sure that changes much
Bozak is the only one getting "screwed" with those two. They were just double shifting Bozak to get him more ice time. It wasn't a lineup switch. They have been doing it all year. Bozak gets over 4 minutes more than Fabbri and 6 minutes more than Sanford a game. Some of that is PP time. For most of it, Bozak slides somewhere into the Sunsqvist line or replaces Blais on the RoR-Perron line. Its mot a permanent change. The team just shortens the bench, rolls 3 lines and sticks Bozak in for a rotating 4 spots (Barby, Steen, Sunny, or Blais). Barby will be benched a shift for Bozak, but Barby's next shift isn't with Fabs and Sanford. Its with his normal line, only Bozak will sub for Sunny or Steen the next shift while Fabbri and Sanford stay on the bench the whole time.
I actually don't think Fabbri has been that bad. He has made some nice defensive plays, especially jumping into passing lanes on a few occasions to steal a pass. His offense hasn't been there, but I am heartened by what I see. If Thomas comes back, I think a Thomas, Bozak, Fabbri line will work. Unfortunately, Bozak and Fabbs right now need someone to drive the play, and to maintain some possession. A healthy, more developed Thomas should be able to anchor that line.