Photo taken after practice a month ago by Jamey Baskow, featuring Travis Konecny and Nolan Patrick
The Flyers had a string of good luck on Saturday April 29, 2017. They moved up 11 slots to the 2nd overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, and drafted a stud in Nolan Patrick. This was a life changing turn of events for this proud franchise. Patrick was a beast in Junior hockey while playing for the Brandon Wheat Kings. He razzled and dazzled opponents, and torched opposing Goaltenders on a nightly basis when he was healthy.
Unfortunately, fast forward to the 2019-20 season, a season in which Patrick has been out with a migraine disorder. Chuck Fletcher, however, still remains optimistic for his return, as Fletcher spoke to the media today before practice:
“I do expect Nolan to play this year. 21-year-old Centers in Patrick are hard to find. I’m optimistic he will return. We are looking at everything. If we can improve our team we will. We are against the cap, when obtaining a player with a $4 mil cap, you have to include players, with our group I don’t know if that’s best, but we will see.”
Patrick had a few bouts with injuries in his 2018-19 campaign, and these injuries happened to come at the wrong time. He was making huge strides with his game, and it was apparent he was gaining confidence at the NHL level. He does a lot of things well on the ice, as he has great vision, and gets into the open areas of the ice. Moreover, his ability to shut down top lines, as Patrick thinks defense first, reminds me of a mini Sean Couturier.
Hopefully, Patrick comes back soon. His health is more important, but if he does return Patrick have to do a conditioning stint with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. For now, prayers for Patrick will ensue.
Flyers Notes:
Overall, the Flyers will not be very active at the trade deadline this year. They may make some minor deals that’s about it. Fletcher likes the overall makeup of this team. I do like him being positive about signing Tanner Laczynski and Wade Allison, in my mind that is huge.
Jamey, you brought up a very important point that has gone unnoticed by most hockey people who follow the Flyers: Tanner Laczynski. For good measure, let’s throw Wyatt Wylie into the mix also. Why hasn’t Chuck Fletcher signed these two talented Flyer draft picks? Time is running out to get them under contract.
As I understand it, Laczynski does not want to sign with Philly. Maybe he just wants to graduate from Ohio State first, or maybe he feels he can sign with Columbus as a free agent later this year. Maybe he has personal reasons, who knows, but I haven’t heard a word from Fletcher as to why this kid is not going to become a roster player for the Flyer s.
Then there is Wyatte Wylie, the Western Hockey League defenseman who was a teammate of Nolan Patrick at Everett. Wylie has looked good this year in the WHL. He looked good at the Flyers development camp last June. AND, he’s a defenseman. The Flyers are thin when it comes to defensemen. I don’t get it. Fletcher drafted a defenseman with the Flyers first pick in the 2019 June draft, Cam York. York, appears to be way too small to ever play in the NHL. That makes signing Wylie crucial to keep the Flyers defense corps stocked. KHL defensive prospects aren’t easy to find. Your take?
Gregg
Thanks for the comment and read as usual. I really do appreciate your support, we wouldn’t be here without you. Tanner lesinski will be a hot commodity after he graduates from Ohio State. With Fletcher acknowledging that he would like to sign him, that leads me to believe Fletcher will be aggressive with signing him. I think the Flyers could offer him a lot at this particular time. It is my belief that Tanner signs with the Flyers. I hope to break that news in March when I interview him.
Wylie should have been offered an ELC at camp. He’s a great young man, and he’s got a good head on his shoulders. He will be signed along with Kalynuk.