Joel Farabee - When Will The Floodgates Open?

In Farabee's first season with the Flyers, the 2019 1st round pick 14th overall, skated in 52 contests and put up a modest 8 goals, 13 assists, for 31 points. Even in limited minutes and seeing minimal time on the power play, you could see the potential in Farabee's game, particularly his desire to produce offensively.

In the partial 2020-21 NHL season, limited due to Covid, Farabee quickly established himself as a legitimate scoring threat in the NHL. Farabee pumped 122 shots on net in 55 games; scoring 20 goals and adding 18 assists. Over a full 82 game schedule, that put Farabee on pace to hit the 30 goal mark in only his second season.

Last year Farabee's stats dipped slightly, posting 17 goals and 17 assists, as Farabee's season was mired by injuries. Farabee missed 7 games in December and shortly after returning, suffered a month long injury sustained in a game on January 20th. Upon his return, it was evident Farabee was not at 100% and he put up 6 goals and 10 assists to close out the final 30 games of a disappointing Flyers season.

At the end of the year it was revealed Farabee was battling a significant neck injury during the season. Farabee chose to undergo a similar procedure to that of Vegas Golden Knights star, Jack Eichel. The procedure was successful, but it came with a three to four month recovery. Farabee was not cleared for contact in the preseason and could not see game action prior to the start of the Flyers 2022-23 season.

Joel Farabee has gone pointless for the Flyers in their first four games this season, which could be seen as a positive if you're a Flyers fan. The Flyers are 3 and 1 without production from Farabee, one of their top offensive weapons. Farabee's lack of production won't last for long, as his game appears ready to explode. Farabee is one of the hardest workers on the ice, has exceptional speed, a quick release, is aggressive on the forecheck, and isn't afraid of the greasy areas of the ice.

As evident by Farabee's goal scoring montage, he clearly has the unique ability to score in multiple ways for Philly. Farabee can score off of the rush, possessing a lethal release on his shot and he can also dangle opponents and create scoring opportunities with his soft hands. Farabee drives the net hard and has dogged determination when battling for loose pucks and jamming home rebounds in the paint.

Perhaps the most under-utilized skill set Farabee has in his arsenal is his one-timer from the off wing. The Flyers have lacked a true shooter on the power play in recent years and haven't yet keyed on Farabee's ability to rip one-timers from the dot; which could change under a more creative and aggressive Rocky Thompson orchestrated PP.

It is safe to assume the Flyers will make Farabee a trigger man on one of their two power play units, likely the top unit with Hayes, DeAngelo, Konecny, and Van Riemsdyk, as his shot fits perfectly on the right wing. With consistent movement and players actively rotating on the new look PP, Farabee and Hayes can rotate the right wall and create more options and looks on the man advantage.

Farabee has fired 12 shots on net in the last three games and has been buzzing in the offensive zone. When he does break the goose egg in the goal column, expect the goals to come in bunches and don't be surprised if he threatens the 30 goal mark this season.

If Farabee can push for 30 goals, Konecny is on pace for 30+, perennial 25 goal scorer Cam Atkinson returning soon, JVR banging in his 20+ per season, and Hayes, Laughton, Couturier, Tippett all hitting double digits in goals; The Flyers have the potential to have three solid lines, with scoring threats throughout their roster.