2020-21 Player Review: Joel Farabee took a huge step forward
Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
He led the team in a major statistical category at just 20 years old. Out of every player in the Flyers’ forward group, Joel Farabee took the biggest step forward in 2020-21, and it isn’t even close.
If one considers Farabee’s rookie season a success, comparatively in a year devoid of standout performances, his sophomore season is a highlight. At just twenty years old, playing in the top six, it appears that only the sky is the limit for the Syracuse native.
By The Numbers
As you can see, Farabee scored 20 goals, which led the Flyers! In fact, he led the NHL in goals among players aged 22 or younger. That’s pretty impressive considering the likes of Brady Tkachuk, Patrik Laine, Martin Necas all populate that list. Farabee is right there alongside those high quality young players, if we didn’t already believe that.
Though we don’t have a large sample size to go on, Farabee’s advanced stat profile indicates he can somewhat drive play, but likely won’t be a machine at doing so. He broke slightly above even in terms of Corsi-for last season, and found himself around the middle of the pack in terms of Flyer skaters in that category.
We can also see that Farabee is a great 5-on-5 scorer already at such a young age. He led the Flyers in total points per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 action. When you incorporate all situations, he ranks 5th in this category, and that being said Farabee didn’t see a ton of power-play time. Only seven of his points coming on the man advantage. However, to lead the entire team in goals overall and goals/60 at both all strengths and 5-on-5 is mightily impressive.
Three Questions
Did they live up to our expectations?
Yes, and then some. Farabee didn’t have huge expectations going into last season, but it is safe to say he outperformed what most were expecting from him. Let me repeat once again that: he led the team in goals!
What do we/can we expect next season?
Farabee scored at a 56-point pace last season (in an 82 game schedule), and it likely isn’t fair to expect him to exceed that. Sure, Farabee could have another massive step forward next season and lead the league in points, but realistically speaking, looking for Farabee to continue with the consistency he’s provided is a much fairer and safer prospect. Expect Farabee to put up around 50-55 points in a top-six, PP2 role.
How would you grade their 2020-21 season?
Farabee earns an A from me. He took a massive step forward and was one of the bright spots on a painfully average roster. If the Flyers are going to challenge for Stanley Cup titles in the future, Farabee is going to be a very important part of that process, and to see him already excelling relative to his age group is a fantastic sign.
All stats via Natural Stat Trick.
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