The Calgary Flames are building for the future, and while the team don't yet have elite level veterans on the squad, they've got several intriguing role players that will be trusted to help lead this team through the rebuild and out the other side around their young prospect pool.
One player that grew into his role a year ago with the Flames was talented forward Joel Farabee, and with the departure of Blake Coleman via a trade with the Minnesota Wild this off-season, his role becomes even more important in 2026/27.
Joel Farabee had a Fantastic Season With the Calgary Flames in 2025/26
Last season, both Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost were under pressure to perform following the trade that brought both of them to Calgary from Philadelphia, and while they started slow, by the end of the 2025/26 campaign, both were playing critical roles for the Flames.
While Frost was on the powerplay and the top line as a centre, Farabee settled into his middle-six role on the penalty kill nicely, but that didn't stop him from posting just the second 20-goal campaign of his career. Across 82 games played, Farabee posted 20 goals and 38 points, and while he's capable of 50+ point seasons, his production took a major increase from the year before.
On top of his 20 goals, Farabee also took an 'A' late in the season with the departure of Mackenzie Weegar, Nazem Kadri and Rasmus Andersson, and at just 26-years-old, he will play a role as a leader of this Flames team for years to come as they undergo a rebuild.
What Role Will Joel Farabee Play in 2026/27?
This season in Calgary, it's all about the youth once again, and while we'll see the likes of Sam Honzek, Matt Coronato and Matvei Gridin get major roles in the top-six, Farabee will play a key role in the middle-six and on the penalty kill.
Last year, Farabee took up a role alongside captain Mikael Backlund, and this year should be no different, as he will likely take the role once played by Blake Coleman as the two-way, defensive minded winger that can contribute offensively, and may even see himself with time on the Flames second powerplay unit.
With Farabee under contract for two more years at $5 million AAV, there's a chance the Flames may gauge interest in him if he gets off to a good start this year, but if he gets a full 82 games in a solidified role for the Flames in the middle-six with PK and PP time, we could see him push for career best numbers across the board.
Final Predictions for Farabee in 2026/27 (based on the assumption of 82 games of health): 21 goals, 20 assists, 41 points.
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