Sean Farrell Will Open Some Eyes In Canadiens Training Camp

Sean Farrell is a smart hockey player. He’s a Harvard graduate, did it in three years and he has a terrific hockey I.Q. That’s not enough to think he might break into Montreal’s roster but it’s going to give him some runway in hopes he can make the big club. 

“I had a lot of help along the way. So many of my teammates took classes with me”, Farrell said.  

A big key to his development was staying in the USHL for a third season when Harvard didn’t play during the pandemic in 2020-21. He scored 101 points and led the Chicago Steel. That team included a young Adam Fantilli as well as Matt Coronato, his Harvard teammate. 

“I was actually at Harvard for a couple of weeks. I was hoping everything would go back to normal and we would have a season up there,” Farrell remembered. “When they cancelled the year, I went right back out to Chicago. I had a great year the year before and I loved the coaching staff and all the guys on the team. 

“I thought I was improving a lot heading into my draft year in 2020. To be able to be with that staff and that team again helped so much.” 

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Farrell, 21, had a tremendous final season with Harvard last year. He also got a taste of playing in the NHL and he played for Team USA in the World Championships. That’s a long season, so don’t go by those numbers at the end of that campaign. Based on the positive reviews he’s been getting in Rookie Camp, that’s a sign that he’s matured as a hockey player. 

“I’m focused coming into camp as ready as possible,” Farrell said at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase

Last season, according to InStat, Farrell averaged over 18 minutes of ice time. His penalty time against is much higher than the penalties he incurred. Because of his speed, he draws penalties and that’s a valuable trait to have

Sean Farrell got 55% of his shots on goal. That’s a solid number. In the rookie tournament in Buffalo, he looked good. He presented his stick well and his teammates were sending him outlet passes because he is a gifted skater who is now physically stronger and can get the puck in the offensive zone. Even against a tough Buffalo defense, he was creating and that was a good sign. 

He’s strong physically, and mentally, and he may be a smaller player, but he can handle himself out there. Whether he makes the team or not, it’s clear his future is very bright.