It won’t only be Jake Oettinger leaving Boston University to turn pro this season, as Joel Farabee has signed his entry-level contract. Farabee, a first-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, will be starting a three-year entry-level contract to begin the 2019-20 season. He could also join the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on an amateur tryout contract in order to recover from a recent injury and get some experience down the stretch.
While Oettinger’s departure may have been expected, Farabee’s certainly wasn’t so. The forward still had three years of college eligibility and is still even young enough to compete in the next World Juniors (where he already secured a silver medal this year). However, after dominating as a freshman—even winning the Hockey East Rookie of the Year award—he very well could feel as though he’s ready to take the next step in his development and even compete for a spot on the Flyers next season.
Selected 14th overall in 2018, there is a lot to like about Farabee’s game. A product of the US National Development Team program, the 6’1″ forward is an outstanding offensive contributor that can also be a game-changing defensive presence even when lining up on the wing. His active stick and incredible edge work results in turnovers and counter-attacks, while his willingness to engage physically when necessary allows his game not to be limited to the perimeter.
While there is no guarantee he can crack the Flyers lineup in 2019-20, recording 36 points in 37 games as a teenager was an very impressive performance for Farabee. Training camp for Philadelphia will be quite interesting, as the team will also have top CHL performer Morgan Frost vying for an opportunity. The pair of forward prospects have battled over the years on the international stage, but could very well be the key to the Flyers offensive attack in the years to come.
Can’t wait. The Flyers will need more offensive contributors to challenge in the East.