Montreal Canadiens prospect Sean Farrell‘s pro career seemed to be slipping away. Since joining Laval last season, he has struggled to adjust to the pro game and has suffered from several injuries. However, down the stretch, Farrell has found his offensive touch. The 23-year-old is catching many’s eyes and beginning to prove his doubters wrong. But does Farrell still have an NHL future with the Montreal Canadiens? Let’s look at what makes him such an intriguing prospect and analyze where he might fit in the team’s future.
Montreal Canadiens Prospect Sean Farrell
Farrell’s Season in Laval
Farrell was drafted in the 4th round of the 2020 NHL entry draft. The undersized forward had incredible offensive instincts and was viewed as one of the potential steals of the draft. This season in Laval, those offensive capabilities are starting to shine through. He has scored 23 points in his last seventeen games. This brings his total on the year to 33 points in 54 games. After such a slow start to the year, it’s good to see Farrell hit the ground running again.
With his slow start, he often found himself in a bottom-six role which can diminish a player’s confidence. The Rocket have been plagued by injuries this year and that along with the many call-ups to Montreal have opened the door for Farrell to reclaim a role on the team’s top line. He has no shortage of confidence and will be an important player for Laval down the stretch. That is unless the Canadiens decide to give him an NHL shot.
Could Farrell Join the Canadiens Down the Stretch?
With the Canadiens in the playoff hunt, they need all the offensive firepower they have down the stretch. The season-ending injury to Kirby Dach has left a spot open in the team’s top six. Several young forwards have auditioned for the role including Owen Beck and Joshua Roy. Neither has been able to establish themselves, however. Alex Newhook has taken over the center position with Patrik Laine on his left wing. They could use a high-IQ playmaker to join them on that line. Sean Farrell could be a perfect fit.
Farrell is a player who needs to be used in a top-six role to find success. This may be the young forward’s best opportunity to do so. Farrell previously played in six games with the Canadiens straight out of College. He registered only one goal in these contests. With him being better adjusted to the pro game two years later, he may be more suited to have an offensive impact at the NHL level. If Roy doesn’t find his offensive touch, the Canadiens should consider auditioning Farrell for the role.
Sean Farrell’s Future with Montreal
Many thought that Farrell’s future in Montreal was coming to an end. The once-hyped prospect seemed incapable of adjusting to the pro game which occurs with many players his size. With his rejuvenation this season, he may still have a shot at becoming a full-time Montreal Canadien.
Joel Armia and Christian Dvorak are likely leaving in Free Agency this offseason. The team would also like to move on from at least one of the Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson contracts. This opens the door for several prospects to crack the NHL lineup. Ivan Demidov should be a lock to make the roster after coming over from Russia. Roy, Owen Beck, Oliver Kapanen, and Emil Heineman all also have more recent experience at the NHL level than Farrell. However, if Farrell can prove himself down the stretch, he may have the inside track on other prospects heading into training camp.
Main Photo: David Kirouac- Imagn Images
The post Montreal Canadiens Prospect Back on Team’s Radar appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.