A Healthy Nolan Patrick Is The Flyers’ Best Option At Third Line Center

As the days go by during free agency, the quietness of the Flyers brings a lot of questions as to what the team will look like once the 2020-21 season starts. Besides the signing of Erik Gustafsson, what else are the Flyers realistically looking to bring in? A definite need for this team is a 3rd line center, and as of right now many of players who fit that mold were taken in free agency. Mikko Koivu signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, another player that comes to mind is someone like Cody Eakin, who signed with the Buffalo Sabres. With lots of players coming off the books, maybe the best option for the Flyers is to fill that position from within the organization. I believe that Nolan Patrick is THAT option.

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At the start of the 2019-20 season, no one expected Patrick to miss the entire season. When he was diagnosed with a migraine disorder, the chances of him playing at that point were slim to none. The primary goal for Patrick was to put hockey aside and focus on getting better. It was never guaranteed when Patrick would come back because migraines are unpredictable. Now as we get closer to next season starting, the news regarding Patrick is becoming more positive. As of right now, Patrick is not cleared for contact, but he is participating in scrimmages. The only bad thing is that they are non-contact, and he has been playing non-contact for a while now.  

All-though, it is great seeing him back on the ice, and he is looking really good, especially in a contract year. He has played in two scrimmages and two practices In Winnipeg, while wearing Flyers gear (Helmet & Pants). Former Flyers Ryan White has the Instagram handle called (@whiteysworld50), where all the streams are. He along with other players from the Winnipeg area, 2020 Draft Prospect Ridley Greig, drafted 28th by the Ottawa Senators has also played. His father Mark, is one of the many Flyers scouts. 

Right now with the start of the 2020-21 season not confirmed yet and being looked at around Jan. 1, all the extra time helps Patrick. According to Chuck Fletcher, he does expect Patrick to play at some point during the season. Due to the unknown start of the season, that extra time to get back into hockey shape will only benefit him. Right now he is getting back to having a quality life, which is a great sign for him moving forward.  He has looked very good in those scrimmages, and has easily been the best player on the ice consistently. 

The Flyers last season finished with 89 points at the stoppage, and were only 1 point behind the 1st place Washington Capitals. They were also one game away from making the Eastern Conference Finals. All of that was done without two key players; Nolan Patrick and Oskar Lindblom. What Lindblom went through was heartbreaking, and seeing him return during the 2nd round was a tear jerker. Now imagine if the Flyers had Patrick in the lineup as well, how better would the Flyers have been? 

If Patrick returns to the lineup, this is what the first 3 lines could possibly look like:

        Giroux     –     Couturier    –     Voracek

        Lindblom   –     Hayes    –    Konency

        Laughton    –    Patrick    –    Farabee

Patrick playing as the 3rd line center gives a player of his capabilities a lot of advantages. He will get the benefit of the match-ups as the opposition’s best players will not be on the ice. The power play that struggled while inside the bubble will get a much needed boost with a player like Patrick. When you have Sean Couturier who just won the Selke Trophy, Kevin Hayes who has been a great addition to this team, and a healthy Nolan Patrick. That is an amazing trio of centers right there for the Flyers. 

His first two seasons in the NHL were filled with injury and inconsistencies in his game, but there were moments where we saw that raw talent he possesses. If Patrick can stay healthy when he comes back to the lineup, I believe he will have a great season. As of now, he is still an RFA and not signed to a contract. When the time is right for Patrick, I believe Chuck Fletcher will offer him a contract extension. For now, all we can do is wait and see what happens.