In a bold move aimed at bolstering the Flames offence, Calgary acquired forwards Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost from the Philadelphia Flyers on January 30, 2025. The trade, which sent Andrei Kuzmenko, Jakob Pelletier, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2028 seventh-round pick to Philadelphia, was orchestrated with the expectation that Farabee and Frost would inject much-needed scoring prowess and playmaking abilities into Calgary’s roster.
Joel Farabee: The Sniper with Untapped Potential
Joel Farabee, a 24-year-old winger, was drafted 14th overall by the Flyers in 2018. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 186 pounds, Farabee has been recognized for his sharp shooting skills and offensive instincts. Prior to the trade, he amassed 90 goals and 111 assists over 384 games with Philadelphia. Calgary anticipated that Farabee’s knack for finding the back of the net would provide a significant boost to their goal-scoring capabilities. Something the Flames offence was lacking.
Morgan Frost: The Playmaker Seeking Consistency
Morgan Frost, also 25, was selected 27th overall by the Flyers in the 2017 draft. At 6 feet and 193 pounds, Frost has been lauded for his vision on the ice and playmaking abilities. During his tenure with Philadelphia, he recorded 50 goals and 85 assists in 278 games. The Flames envisioned Frost as a dynamic centre who could create opportunities and elevate the performance of his linemates. Frost was the key target in the trade, and was tabbed to address a major area of weakness for Calgary.
Flames Offence Struggles
Since joining the Flames, both Farabee and Frost have faced challenges in meeting the offensive expectations set for them. Farabee has contributed 11 goals and 13 assists, totaling 24 points, while Frost has added 13 goals and 20 assists, amounting to 33 points. These figures fall short of the impact Calgary had hoped for when they orchestrated the trade.
While their offensive production has been underwhelming, it’s important to acknowledge areas where both players have shown promise. Farabee’s defensive play and penalty-killing efforts have been commendable. At the same time Frost has displayed flashes of the creativity and vision that made him a first-round pick. However, with the Flames in a tight race for playoff positioning, the team requires more consistent offensive contributions from both forwards.
Signs of Improvement
Recent advanced statistics suggest that Farabee and Frost are beginning to find their rhythm within Calgary’s system. Metrics such as expected goals and high-danger scoring chances have shown an uptick in their performances over the past few games, indicating that they are generating more quality opportunities on the ice. These positive trends hint at the potential both players possess and the possibility of a breakthrough in their offensive production.
However, with only two games remaining in the regular season, the Flames are in urgent need of tangible results. The team is relying on Farabee and Frost to translate their improved underlying numbers into actual offence to bolster Calgary’s playoff push. The Flames’ postseason aspirations hinge significantly on these two players stepping up and delivering the offensive impact that was envisioned when they were brought on board.
Flames Offence a Key Factor as Playoff Race Intensifies
The Flames kept their playoff hopes alive with a 5-2 win over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday. Yegor Sharangovich led the way with two goals, including the game-winner and his 100th career goal. Adam Klapka added a goal and an assist, while MacKenzie Weegar and Matt Coronato each scored for Calgary. Goaltender Dustin Wolf made 28 saves, improving his record against the Sharks to 7-1. Calgary now has 92 points and sits just two behind St. Louis for the final wild-card spot. The Flames have two games remaining, one more than both the Blues and the Minnesota Wild, whom they also trail by three points.
In conclusion, while Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost have faced challenges in meeting the Flames offensive expectations since their arrival. Recent indicators suggest they are on the cusp of turning a corner. The Flames’ coaching staff and fans alike are hopeful that this upward trajectory will manifest in the form of increased point production. With the regular season winding down and playoff positions hanging in the balance, the time is now for Farabee and Frost to fulfill their potential and provide the Flames offence with the spark it desperately needs.
Main Photo: Sergei Belski- Imagn Images
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