VOORHEES – It’s no secret the Flyers could use a little help on the wings.
Which is why 2018 first-round (14th overall) draft pick Joel Farabee will be getting a lot of attention, both at the current development camp and later when the 2019-20 training camp opens at the Skate Zone in September.
The left wing decided to turn pro this past March after completing his freshman season at Boston University.
He realizes there’s a potential opening for him but he doesn’t want to dwell on it.
“I mean as far as right now, kind of just enjoying development camp,’’ he said. “Not too much stress, but there is a wing spot open right now so obviously that’s my goal to make the team.
“Pretty realistic, so if I’m up and down or don’t make it this year I wouldn’t be surprised. I just have to prepare to either play in Philly or Lehigh, so that’s where I’m at right now.’’
Keep in mind that Travis Konecny surprised some people by making the Flyers as a 19-year-old so Farabee pulling off a similar feat isn’t out of the question.
The Cicero, N.Y. native could have played another year for the Terriers but talent evaluators told him, in so many words, that going pro now might be a good idea.
“I think the whole college experience was really good,’’ he said. “I thought I had a really good year. Talking to the staff here, they thought making the jump was a good play so I thought yeah, I was all for it.
“I just think the way I play, they kind of said I could fit into pro hockey and play a lot of different roles. I think that was the biggest thing and after having a pretty good year at BU, it was an easy decision for me.’’
At 175 pounds, he’s trying to add some weight, which should help him battling down low in front of the net.
“It’s pretty grindy in the AHL and NHL,’’ he said. “You just have to be able to withstand an 82-game season plus, so that’s the biggest thing right now.’’
“I’m always trying to add weight. I think I’m up to 175, so that is pretty good for me at least. I think the end of my career to be 185-190 that’s probably where I want to be.’’
>Flyers hire Schultz as development coach
Former Flyer defenseman Nick Schultz was hired as a player development coach on Tuesday. He played three seasons in Philadelphia.
In addition, the Flyers named Andy Rannells as assistant equipment manager and Dan Warnke as strength and conditioning coach.
“We’re happy to have Nick come aboard and help develop the prospects in our system,” said Fletcher. “Having enjoyed a lengthy career in which he played over 1,000 games as a defenseman in the NHL, Nick brings a wealth of experience and knowledge on what it takes to be a pro.”
Schultz was known as a defenseman who played the game in a thoughtful manner and that should help in coaching young player.
“It’s exciting,” said Schultz. “I’m looking forward to working with the guys, helping Kjell Samuelsson with the defensemen, and getting to know the kids and their game a little bit. I’m looking forward to working with them throughout the year, watching them play and helping them make it to the next step, and ultimately one day become a Flyer.”
Schultz concluded a 15-year, 1,069-game NHL career in 2017, the last three seasons of which he spent with the Flyers. The 6-foot-1, 203-pound defenseman averaged 19:04 of ice time over his career, which included 30 goals and 145 assists for 175 points. Schultz currently ranks third among his draft class in career games played, trailing only Justin Williams and Scott Hartnell.
Drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Schultz went on to appear in 743 games for the Wild before being traded to Edmonton at the 2012 trade deadline.
He played 128 games with the Oilers over parts of three seasons before moving in another deadline deal, this time to Columbus in March of 2014. Schultz then signed with Philadelphia as a free agent on July 2, 2014 and went on to appear in 189 games over three seasons.
Highlights of his Flyers career included his 1,000th career game on January 13, 2016 and his nomination by the Philadelphia chapter of the PHWA for the Masterton Trophy in the 2014-15 season.
Rannells and Warnke both come to the Flyers from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Rannells has been the Phantoms’ equipment manager for the past five seasons, handling all player equipment needs. Warnke has been overseeing the Phantoms’ strength and conditioning program the past three seasons.
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