Joel Farabee is a huge part of the next generation Flyers core and is set to take a big step forward in his development this season. Farabee, who is only 20 years old, has exceeded expectations at every level of hockey thus far in his career. Whether it was making the US World Junior club at 18, or cracking a NHL lineup at 19… Farabee has proven he’s going to be a force for years to come; and I believe he’s going to have a monster second year.

Knowing What To Expect

This is probably the obvious reason as to why a second-year player will take off, but it’s true. Knowing what to expect going into a season will do wonders for Farabee’s confidence, he no longer has to worry if his spot is in question or if he’s going to start the year in Lehigh Valley; he’s a Philadelphia Flyer now. The most important thing of all is that he knows Alain Vigneault’s system and fits it like a glove. Joel is defensively responsible while unpredictable in the offensive zone; the perfect new age Flyer. Playoff experience in your rookie year is a nice bonus as well, and he scored some big goals.

Condensed Season

Farabee has been on record saying that he didn’t hit a rookie wall for east coast games, but he at times struggled to adjust to the west coast travel and jet-lag. Well, thanks to COVID-19, Farabee or these other young guns won’t have to worry about going to the west coast due to the new divisional alignment. All Flyers games will most likely be played on the east coast this season, and it won’t even be a full 82 games. One would be inclined to think this condensed season could help a young kid stay fresh throughout the season and into the playoffs, allowing him to be more comfortable.

GOAL 🚨 FARABEE 🚨 pic.twitter.com/GPVVR9vmyW

— TLY (@TheLibertyYell) December 10, 2020

Focus Level

Joel Farabee is one of the most focused young players I’ve seen come through this city since Ivan Provorov. Before he made the club last season, Farabee moved into an apartment in Voorhees just to be closer to the practice facility to be able have access to training with the team 24/7. You can also see his focus level in the way he responds to adversity, whether it was being snake-bitten early in the season or being sent to Lehigh Valley; he always responded.

Farabee ended last season playing 52 NHL games posting 8 goals, 13 assists, for a 21-point rookie campaign. While on paper this doesn’t seem “overly promising” anyone who watched the Flyers games last season saw the 200ft impact this kid provides every night.

Joel Farabee is going to be a force in this league and we over here at The Liberty Yell think he’s going to have a breakout year two. I mean, how can you not root for a kid that grew up a fan of Chase Utley, Donovan McNabb, and other Philly sports teams.

One of us.

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images