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Sean Farrell: even if points are scarce, his progress is obvious

Over the past few years, Sean Farrell has risen enormously in the CH’s hierarchy of prospects. A fourth-round pick of the club in 2020, the young forward went on to dominate in the USHL and NCAA, earning himself a professional contract last year and playing his first NHL games.

In six games, he scored just one point (one goal), but the important thing was that he got the opportunity to test the waters of the NHL.

That said, Farrell had been fairly quiet at rookie camp this summer, and had had a roller-coaster training camp. We suspected he’d start the year in Laval, but let’s just say he didn’t even come close to forcing the club’s hand.

And so far, in nine AHL games, he’s registered five points (one goal and four assists). And while he’s not producing a ton, his game is clearly improving, as are the few weaknesses in his game.

Nicolas Landry (RDS) published an excellent article on the subject, noting the youngster’s improved one-on-one battles along the boards.

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In reality, we knew that his small size was likely to be a problem for the professionals. He was able to excel in the USHL and NCAA, but against adults, it’s a more different style of play, when the guys have to deal with much more physical men.

This example shows just how much a youngster’s progress can be measured in more than just points: in the end, it’s by becoming a better field hockey player that you improve, not necessarily by scoring a ton of points without paying attention to detail.

Farrell understands this, and so does Jean-François Houle, who has asked him to work on these aspects.

In the short term, with Montreal’s surplus of forwards, Farrell is unlikely to be recalled any time soon. That said, it’s not a bad thing: let him develop quietly and continue to work on those little details that will eventually make him a much better NHL forward.

It’s by letting him improve in these conditions that he’ll become a better contributor to Montreal in the long term… and that’s perhaps a question the Tricolore will have to consider with Juraj Slafkovský eventually.

In gusto

– The Oilers’ woes continue.

– He didn’t like his players’ lack of reaction to Brad Marchand’s dirty hit on Timothy Liljegren.

– He’ll have the opportunity to make his former team pay.

– Oops.

– Victory for the Alouettes.