Photo Credit: Our very own Rob Windfelder
Back in July of 2022, Joel Farabee had disk replacement surgery on his neck. When he returned from that injury it was a tough go, as expected. He just didn’t look like the Joel that most have seen throughout his NHL career.
Farabee’s 2022-23 season can be described as up and down, marred by frustrations due to recovery from an injury. He was unable to train properly, as he normally would do to restrictions while recovering from surgery. However, what is quite unique about the young Farabee is he takes accountability for his play last season, “No excuses I got to play better,” Farabee said last season. “I think for me I always put pressure on myself. I think everyone feels pretty good heading into the season.”
He finished the 2022-23 season with 15 goals and 24 assists, but there was a sense of frustrations at times after a dry spell of points. This type of season was to be expected after having major summer surgery on his neck in the Summer. However, Farabee is a perfectionist and he knows his craft well, so when he can’t perform at a level he knows he can play at, a sense of frustrations obviously ensued.
Joel has played in 42 games this season, to which he has potted 14 goals and has registered 18 assists for 32 points. It yet again proves he is fully healthy, and is back to being himself. That’s a big difference this season, especially since he was able to properly train this offseason. Finally, he didn’t have to rehab, so Farabee appeared to be ahead the eight ball as the season began. He is skating well, and really has a jump to his skates in most games this season.
Farabee scored two goals against the Minnesota Wild, with the second one being the game winning goal in overtime. The Flyers were able to overcome a 3-1 deficit, en route to the 4-3 victory in overtime against the Wild
Through all of this, what Farabee has proven to the fans of Philadelphia is that the Flyers should build around him. Drafted by the Flyers in 2018 at 14th overall, Farabee has seen action with the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms and the big club, where he torched his opponents.
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Farabee’s style of play resonates with Philadelphia and Flyers fans in particular. He plays a 200 foot game, and is just so darn good at killing penalties. It becomes very attractive to stay up with the big club for good, based off those reasons alone. Killing penalties is a crucial attribute to have, and Farabee does it well.
What Farabee also brings is skating, and typically you know if he is a confident player with the way he skates. Farabee can skate at top speeds to push the play up the ice. He’s proven time and time again he is an excellent skater, with the agility and edge work to get by defenders in one-on-one situations, and he also possesses a great first step. Farabee is an outstanding playmaker off the wing, who possesses great vision of the ice. He is also a good defender, as Farabee remains focused and poised at killing penalties. There is no hesitation in saying the 23 is a good player. He has been great on the ice for the most part this season, and is a good locker room presence. The season isn’t over yet can’t wait, so let’s see what Joel can bring us as the rest of the season wears on.
