By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor
The Flyers first selection from the first round of last year’s NHL Draft is turning pro. Forward Joel Farabee has signed an entry-level deal with the Flyers, following his freshman season with Boston University, GM Chuck Fletcher announced on Monday.
Farabee was selected with the 14th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. The 6’1”, 170-pound forward played for the US National Team Development Program through his pre-Draft years, including the 2017-18 season where he served as captain. In 62 games, Farabee scored 33 goals and added 43 assists for 76 points. He also had eight points in seven games at the Under-18 World Junior Championships with Team USA.
Farabee played his freshman season at Boston University in 2018-19 and had excellent success early in his college career. In 37 games, Farabee scored 17 goals and added 19 assists for 37 points. At the 2018 World Junior Championships, Farabee had a hat trick and added two assists over the other six games for five points in that time.
The 19-year-old will have his entry-level deal begin next season, but is eligible to join the Lehigh Valley Phantoms for the remainder of the season. He missed the Hockey East conference semi-final game on Friday with an injury and is expected to rehab in Philadelphia before joining the Phantoms for their playoff push.
Farabee will be eligible to play for either the Flyers or Phantoms next season, to be determined by the results of offseason training and training camp performance.