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Canadiens Sean Farrell Talks Hobey Baker, Thrill Of Montreal

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1 year ago

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Montreal Canadiens prospect Sean Farrell

Montreal Canadiens prospect Sean Farrell has been tearing up the NCAA of late, garnering MVP-level attention and looking more NHL-ready by the day.

The Montreal Canadiens’ 4th-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft has been nothing short of sensational this season for the Harvard Crimson of the NCAA.

In 28 games, the 21-year-old has put up 18 goals and 29 assists for 47 points, ranking him third in scoring in the entire NCAA and second in points percentage with 1.68 points per game.

It’s a notable improvement from last season, where he put up 28 points in 24 games, as Farrell has taken his game up a level offensively, but also defensively.

Playing a more complete game, not just simply one focused on high-octane offensive production, has helped Farrell become even more valuable to Harvard this year.

“I’ve been more consistent in bringing my best game every night. I’m focusing on positioning myself better and watching a ton of video on forecheck clips to help the team at both ends of the ice,”  said Farrell about the adjustments he’s made to his game this season. “We’ve played a lot of close games against some really good teams and I feel comfortable just coming out and playing my game and helping the team as best I can.”

Hobey Baker Finalist?

His incredible offensive totals, coupled with his vastly improved defensive game, have vaulted him into the conversation for the Hobey Barker award, given to the top player in the NCAA.

It’s an award that factors in much more than just the scoresheet, as other personal qualities, including sportsmanship and character, are included in the decision.

For Farrell, it’s simply an honour to be part of the conversation.

“It’s pretty cool. It’s such an amazing award with so much history. Just to be in the conversation is really special,” said Farrell regarding a potential nomination as a Hobey Baker finalist. “It’s something that would be really cool to win. We’ve got two other guys at Harvard in that conversation. It’s awesome that the three of us are being recognized.”

Thrill Of Montreal

Although he remains laser-focused on finishing his season with Harvard and bringing them an NCAA Championship this spring, Sean Farrell didn’t hide his appreciation for the culture shift currently ongoing in Montreal.

When asked whether he can see himself playing under head coach Martin St-Louis‘ burgeoning offensive concept, Farrell believed it’s a setting tailor-made for a player like him.

“Definitely. You obviously see it with all the guys that have been doing well under him,” said Farrell regarding the possibility of playing under St-Louis. “The emphasis that they showed at development camp, about playing with intensity and skill, is something that suits my game and would make me really excited to play for them.”

Farrell has a lot of history with Montreal Canadiens sniper Cole Caufield, as the two played together for a couple of years with the United States National Development Team between 2017 and 2019.

When talking about the players he could see himself lining up with down the line, it wasn’t a surprise that Farrell believes he could one day complete the puzzle of the Canadiens’ top line.

“There a ton of great young players coming up there, but playing with (Nick) Suzuki or Cole (Caufield) would be great,” said Farrell about what he’s liked about Montreal’s rebuild thus far. “They’re world-class players, and to play with them would be really cool.”

However, given the emergence of Kirby Dach as a viable top-six centre in the making, Farrell also didn’t rule out a potential fit with the 6’4 centreman, who also plays a game of speed and skill.

“I played against him a couple of years back when I was with the USNDTP. He’s a very skilled and big player and it’s great to see him break in and have so much success,” said Farrell regarding the possibility of playing alongside Kirby Dach. “He’s a very interesting player to watch and it could make for an explosive offence.”

With the significant progress in Farrell’s game and the potential of seeing him wear the Bleu, Blanc Rouge in the not-so-distant future, Habs fans are rightfully excited.

Farrell reciprocated some of that excitement as well, praising the enthusiasm and the passion of the Montreal Canadiens fanbase.

“I’ve stayed off social media as much as I can and just focus on myself and my game,” said Farrell regarding the hype around his game that is growing on social media. “I think it’s really cool to see how passionate Habs fans are. Just an awesome fan base. I’d be thrilled to play in front of them one day.”

It now remains to be seen when that day will come, as Farrell will have a big decision to make at the end of the NCAA Championships this spring.

In the meantime, he’s just focused on his studies and helping his team to the top of the NCAA mountain.

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