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New York Rangers: Four projected first round picks to avoid on draft day

By John Williams

WINDSOR, ON - OCTOBER 05: Forward Barrett Hayton #27 of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds celebrates his first period goal against the Windsor Spitfires on October 5, 2017 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)
WINDSOR, ON - OCTOBER 05: Forward Barrett Hayton #27 of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds celebrates his first period goal against the Windsor Spitfires on October 5, 2017 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images) /
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PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 16: Joel Farabee #28 of the USA Nationals turns up ice against the Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Joel Farabee
PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 16: Joel Farabee #28 of the USA Nationals turns up ice against the Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Joel Farabee /

Joel Farabee

TSN Projection- #13

Farabee is a very similar prospect to Hayton, so maybe you’ll start to sense a theme here. Farabee U.S. National Development Program where, as our Dan Carrozzi reminded us in our Blue Line Station mock draft, is loaded with top prospects Jack Hughes, Brady Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes and Oliver Wahlstrom.

The thing with Farabee that is pretty interesting is he has a decent shot, is a decent good passer, a decent skater, a decent defender and he has solid hockey IQ. Farabee may be one of the most versatile forwards in his draft class but he also doesn’t do anything great, which is a huge problem for somebody projected to go in the top half of the first round.

Related: BLS’ NHL Draft big board

All About the Jersey chose to keep it simple and evaluate his based on his growth this past year.

"“When you look at his numbers, you can see clear growth from year to year. Two seasons ago, he played more of his time with the U17 team, but did play 22 games with the U18s despite being younger. In those 22 games, he produced 19 points, showcasing he has the talent. This year, playing almost all of his time with the U18s as captain, he took his game to the next level, going beyond a point per game and producing 76 points in 62 games, with 33 of those 76 points coming as goals. He was more of a distributor with 43 assists, but 33 goals in 62 games is no joke, over a half goal per game. That is first round production.”"

Farabee will be NHL ready before most guys but, just like Hayton, I worry about his upside. He’s definitely not a top line guy to me. Maybe he’s a second liner? I don’t know. He looks more like a third or fourth line center to me.

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