NHL Prospect Profile: Joel Farabee

Statistics

Scout Quotes

Farabee has good hands and stick skills allowing him to control the puck while moving at top speed. Defenders must respect his speed, and so they back off him on the rush, creating shooting and passing lanes. Farabee has good vision and is an outstanding playmaker off the wing. He anticipates extremely well and seems to be a step ahead of the play. Farabee finds open ice without the puck and makes smart plays with it. He could stand to add some power to his shot though. This may come as he adds more muscle to his frame.

Farabee has the potential to be a top-six winger at the NHL level but needs some time. Going the NCAA route will give him time to work in the gym at adding muscle to his frame, and becoming stronger. While he will never be confused for a power forward, this would really help out.- Last Word on Hockey

Farabee is an cerebral three-zone playmaker who consistently adheres to textbook fundamentals in addition to being one of the most lethal scorers in his draft class. He can tailor his style to fit any game — wide open, slogging matches, physical…it simply does not matter. Farabee is a top-line winger for the NTDP and he plays that role in every situation no matter the score or time on the clock. He’s very quick in open ice and possesses a devastating change of pace that catches defenders flat footed, and he’ll use a rapier-like inside shift inside if taking the puck wide isn’t the preferred route. One thing you notice instantly is his work ethic on the ice — Farabee has a nonstop motor and will bust it from start to finish on every shift. He’s a wiry kid, but his balance is strong and he can endure a physical beating, plus ward off thicker defenders as he bulls his way to the cage. Even at 17-years-old, Farabee already own a pro-quality shot for its accuracy, velocity and release. – The Draft Analyst

AJ’s Thoughts

Farabee is a hell of an evaluation this year. He spent the year alongside two stars in Jack Hughes, 2019’s top prospect, and Oliver Wahlstrom, who should be selected in the first round this year. While some things can be difficult to separate from his exceptional linemates, what can’t be taken away from Farabee is his absurd work ethic and compete level. He’s never not competing and he’s slightly undersized so his willingness to flat outwork opponents is something that’s going to translate very nicely to the NHL.

His skill is the real question mark. His production is exceptional, among the most impressive numbers of anybody in this draft class. But again, you’re talking about a guy who has played alongside some true blue superstar talent all year and trying to separate can be difficult. To my eye, he’s a very good playmaker with great vision and anticipation. Some absolutely love his shot but I’m less excited about its ability to beat pro goaltenders. I’d like to see a more deceptive release down the road but even if it doesn’t get much better, it should be decent.

He could be a top-six guy, he could be a depth guy with a little offense and a two-way ceiling. That gap really makes it tough to decide just where his ranking is appropriate.

Highlights

Avalanche Fit

As an ultra hard worker with good skating and great hockey sense, he would be a pretty natural fit in Colorado’s system. He’s a wing and that’s an area where Colorado is seriously lacking in high-end talent so if the top six Farabee becomes a reality, he’s a perfect fit. If he’s more of the bottom six guy who contributes two-way, well, Colorado has a grip of those guys already. It’s a risk Colorado would be taking at 16. If they dropped down in the first round and nabbed additional selections, Farabee would be a much better risk.

Rankings

#12 Hockey Prospect
#15 Future Considerations
#12 McKeen’s Hockey