David Farrance (D)
2020/2021 Totals: 0 Goals, 0 Assists, 0 Points in 2 Games Played
Don’t let the totals paint the picture of what David Farrance is expected to bring to this team. All you have to do is look at what the Hobey Baker Award finalist put together at Boston University to predict the time of impact Farrance can have at the NHL level, and this season will be a coming-out party of sorts for him as he glides his way through development and rookie camps en route to his true test of Predators main camp and earning a regular spot on the Preds top three defensive pairings.
By every indication, the 22-year-old Farrance has it all: Hockey IQ both offensively and defensively, a great first pass out of his own zone, and the ability to become a leader as the Predators continue the youth movement.
In a perfect world, Farrance would start the year alongside fellow former Boston University Captain and highly talented defenseman in his own right, Dante Fabbro.
However, this may be a pairing that comes to fruition should the Predators season go awry and there is “meaningless”, sorry wrong word, “developmental” hockey to be played in the final 20-25 games, but it would make for a great nightly storyline to see these players with such similar development paths patrol the blueline on a single pairing. M
I really like what Farrance could bring to this team as a #No.6/No. 7 defenseman out of camp. It will be tough for him to keep consistency if he finds himself on and off the lineup card,but as we all know, injuries happen and Farrance will be the first man up to earn an opportunity for a nightly spot. As his ice time increases while he continues to adjust to the NHL game, he will make the most of his opportunities.
Farrance is a deep sleeper rookie play as potentially the last defenseman on your squad, so keep expectations within reason for the budding defenseman.
Again, I must reiterate that we are undoubtedly looking at the development of a potential top-four defenseman for the Predators within the next two to three seasons so enjoy this part of the process, just maybe don’t reach too high to pick him this fantasy season.
2021/2022 Prediction: 4 Goals, 9 Assists, 13 Points in 60 Games Played