Flyers select dynamic 2-way forward Joel Farabee 14th overall
The Philadelphia Flyers drafted Joel Farabee with the 14th overall pick in the NHL draft on Friday night.
Position: Left Wing
Height: 6-feet
Weight: 168 lbs
Age: 18
Club: U.S. National U18 team
Nationality: United States
| GP | G | A | P | 5v5 GPG | 5v5 PPG | 5v5 GF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 15 | 25 | 40 | 0.31 | 0.88 | 76.19 |
(Five-on-five stats courtesy: prospect-stats.com)
Farabee played on a star-studded first line for the U.S. National U18 team with fellow 2018 draftee Oliver Wahlstrom and potential 2019 first overall pick Jack Hughes. But don't think for a second he was just a product of the players around him.
Farabee was one of the most complete two-way forwards in the 2018 draft. Offensively, he has great vision, patience, and playmaking ability, and the New York native can also put the puck in the net. He knows how to find open ice and has an accurate shot with a quick release, and isn't afraid to get to the dirty areas and score greasy goals. To play that way at the next level he'll need to add significant weight to his slight frame.
His great instincts, speed, and overall competitiveness make him an excellent defensive forward as well. Farabee always seems to be at the right place at the right time to intercept passes, and he battles hard for loose pucks. He was one of the top penalty killers on his team, and will probably continue to fill that role as his career continues.
Farabee's talent floor is among the highest of any player in this draft. As captain of the U.S. National U18 team, he already showed signs of being a good leader. If he can add bulk quickly, Farabee could be in the NHL as soon as 2019-20.
"(He's a) dangerous two-way forward who uses his legs and IQ to make something happen most shifts," observed ISS Hockey.