Last June, highly touted names bounced around the first round of the NHL draft due to the deep class of teenagers; among them was Joel Farabee, a left wing who has quickly made a name for himself in the NCAA this season.

Farabee was drafted 14th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers; he was heralded for his natural leadership, two-way game, and play-driving ability shown every shift.

He’s now turning heads with the Boston University Terriers during his freshman season, proving he’s another Hockey East product on his way to a prosperous NHL career.

The Cicero, NY, native leads all Hockey East freshmen with 28 points (12 G, 26 A) in 31 games. Those numbers place him second in goals and points for all Division I freshmen, while simultaneously pacing all U20 freshmen in both categories.

“Sky’s the limit for him,” Terriers coach Albie O’Connell told Dave Isaac of the Courier Post. “Physically he needs some work, some time. I think his mind is there. His skill set is there. His game is evolving. He’s not quite to that level yet, but he’s that talented. He’s not totally seasoned but he’s gonna be good in time.”

His evolution is apparent. Through his first 10 games, Farabee posted a modest three goals and six points. Over the next 10, he scored another three goals and 10 points. Now, through his last 11 games, the winger has six goals and 12 points, adding to his team lead in both categories. 

Farabee’s game has progressed quickly at the college level after captaining the U18 U.S. National Team in 2017-18, where he finished second on the team in goals, assists, and points. 

Boston College freshman Oliver Wahlstrom led the team in all three categories; he was drafted three spots ahead of Farabee last June. Wahlstrom has shown the growing pains many freshmen experience at the next level, with 15 points (7 G, 8 A) through 28 games.

Their career trajectories are similar, but Farabee is playing ahead of the curve in his first year with BU. He’s climbing his way towards the top of the Flyers’ deep youth group, which includes Morgan Frost, roster players Nolan Patrick and Cart Hart, and more. It’s good company to be in.

This assist from Joel Farabee (PHI) the other week is a pretty high-end play. Doesn't even take a look, bullet pass on tape. Goalie doesn't even move.

May argue it was luck but there's nobody else close to that pass. pic.twitter.com/oxTpnfwAoO

— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) February 5, 2019

Farabee is on track to win Hockey East Rookie of the Year honors, which have been claimed by NHL all-stars Clayton Keller of the Arizona Coyotes and Jack Eichel of the Buffalo Sabres in recent years.

The freshman has three regular season games and a minimum of two conference tournament games to add to his impressive totals on the season.

You can catch Farabee and the Terriers live, right here on FloHockey, when we begin streaming the entirety of the Hockey East playoffs starting March 15.

Have a question or a comment for Jacob Messing? You can find him on Twitter @Jacob_Messing.