Flames’ Joel Farabee Excelling in Blake Coleman’s Absence

However, Farabee looked great in the following preseason and his strong play continued throughout the 2025-26 campaign as he returned to the 20-goal mark and recorded 38 points across 82 games. A full season playing often with Coleman likely showed him how to simplify his game and become a reliable two-way winger. Huska even recognized that he noticed many of Coleman’s attributes in Farabee earlier this season.

After his strong play last season, Huska rewarded Farabee with a leadership role as an alternate captain. Though snakebitten at times, he still managed to produce on a poorly-run offensive team, carving out an important role heading into 2026-27. 

Emerging as an Important Piece

Through 11 games this season, Farabee has 11 points, putting him on pace to blow past his career-high of 50 points (set in 2023-24) and be a point-per-game player for the first time. Most of this production has come in the past few games, with eight points in his last five, but that is also an indication of the Flames’ season so far.

What’s most noticeable is Farabee’s consistency. It doesn’t matter what situation he is in — Huska is willing to put him on the ice, which speaks to his growth. He is also the youngest member of the team’s leadership group, which he noted earlier in the year: “I’m kind of not quite an older guy yet, but I’m not a young guy anymore, so being a part of the leadership group I think is important.”

Farabee is 26 years old, and as he said, he’s not considered young anymore by NHL standards but is also not a veteran. He’s now entering what should be the best years of his career, growing his game and continuing to improve each season. He could easily become a cornerstone Flame in the next couple of years. 

Coleman carved out a career by being the hardest-working guy on the ice who will battle hard in the corners and win the puck back for the team over and over again. Coleman was vital in both of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Stanley Cup victories, and if Farabee continues his growth in a similar direction, he will build a very respectable resume after being dumped by the Flyers.

Calgary has been playing well over the past two weeks, largely thanks to goaltender Devin Cooley, who has started four-straight games, but also thanks to the massive step in Farabee’s play. What comes next for him is uncertain, although he is signed through next season. However, Huska will likely want to keep a player of his play style who has gained their trust long term. For management, Farabee could provide another alternative as if he continues to play at this level, his trade value should be at an all-time high by the 2027 Trade Deadline.