MONTREAL – Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced on Sunday that the team has agreed to the terms of a three-year entry contract with forward Sean Farrell (2022-2023 to 2024-2025).
The deal will earn him an average annual salary of $1,158,333.
Farrell will join the team on the next trip, to Buffalo and Philadelphia.
The 21-year-old, 5-foot-9, 175-pound left-winger has scored 20 goals and added 33 assists in 34 games this season with the Harvard University Crimson of the NCAA’s Hockey East.
In 58 college games, Farrell had 81 points (30 goals, 51 assists).
One of the best in recent memory to don a Harvard jersey. Congratulations Sean and good luck in Montreal! #GoCrimson
➡️: https://t.co/OOBsGhC7tr pic.twitter.com/e9GQl1M84W
—Harvard Men’s Hockey (@HarvardMHockey)
March 26, 2023
His NCAA run came to a halt on Friday when Harvard was defeated 8-1 by the Ohio State Buckeyes in the regional semifinals.
The Hopkinton, Massachusetts native was selected in the fourth round (124th overall) by the Canadiens in the 2020 NHL Draft.
The striker played with Cole Caufield in 2017-18 and 2018-19, with the U.S. National Under-17 and Under-18 teams respectively.
Whether or not he plays by the end of the season, Farrell’s arrival adds another young athlete to the team.
Presenting a young formation with little experience, the transition to the big league is proving favorable for the new faces of the club this season.
This is the case of Justin Barron, acquired from the Colorado Avalanche last season.
“I think it makes the transition easier,” said the defenseman. First of all, it’s a welcoming team. The players were really nice last year when I arrived. It helps, right now, to see familiar faces from the Rocket. ”
The pressure is also less for the young players of the Canadian. The team isn’t in a hot fight for a playoff berth, they can only focus on progressing for the rest of the regular season.
“Last year, with the Avalanche, it was difficult to find your place with all the veterans and all the talent in the roster,” explained Barron. Coming here, I knew I would have more opportunities and that’s all you can ask for. ”
Barron said he’s improved his game since the Avalanche trade. The ice time obtained with the Rocket, as well as with the group of defenders of the Canadian, allowed him to develop his assets.
“I think I really developed my game with the Rocket,” Barron said. Since my recall, I feel that I have been able to improve and gain the confidence of the coaching staff. ”
Harvey-Pinard believes the timing is perfect for Farrell to join the team.
“He will have a chance to play,” he said. In addition, it will facilitate his adaptation to already know a player in the group. It will help him to include himself and better communicate with the players. ”
Getting started in the NHL is an important point in a career. Harvey-Pinard said the best advice he can give a player making his debut would be to stay true to himself.
“You should not try to become a player that you are not, specified the Quebecer. Keep your identity and playstyle and take it to the next level. ”
Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis doesn’t know if Farrell will be in the lineup Monday against the Sabers or Tuesday against the Flyers. However, St-Louis mentioned that it is still advantageous for the forward to join the team even if he is not playing.
“It will allow him to get used to our environment, explained the head coach. He will be able to see how things are going, with our daily calendar. He will be able to meet the staff and the players. ”
Forward Joel Armia skated alone after the team’s optional morning practice on Sunday.
