The Flyers received horrible news when at the time a young-21-year-old in Nolan Patrick was diagnosed with a migraine disorder before the 2019-20 season even began. *Update* Now people have been given a sigh of relief and hope, as the young man, now 22-years-old in Patrick is partaking in a scrimmage today at 1:10pm.
Regardless, of what some people may think, this is a great sign, and it’s great to feel more optimistic for a return this coming season. There is little doubt that the return of Patrick would be the best addition the Flyers could make this offseason.
On Saturday, April 29, 2017 the Flyers moved up 11 slots to the second-overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft and thus drafted a stud in 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, as he razzled and dazzled opponents. He also torched opposing goaltenders on a nightly basis, as well.
Patrick finally had a full off-season where he could train as hard as he wants to, in order to improve his game for the 2019-20 season. He managed to improve his point totals from the year prior, as he finished the 2018-19 campaign with 31 points (13g,18a). In 2017-18 Patrick finished the year with 30 points.
Click here to check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Team store
Unfortunately, Patrick had a few bouts with injuries once again in 2018-19, and these injuries happened to come at the wrong time. He was finally making huge strides with his game offensively, as it was apparent Patrick was gaining confidence at the NHL level, but then an injury occurred. Moreover, 40 games before the All-Star break Patrick only tallied 9 points, post the All-Star break, he tallied 22 points. It appears that Patrick excels in the second half of the season.
Patrick does a lot of things well on the ice. His ability to shut down some of the top lines, as Patrick thinks defense first, shows he can be a solid two-way player in the NHL. He reminds me of Sean Couturier, as Patrick closes gaps on players well, much like Couturier does. Moreover, Patrick had career highs in 2018-19 in Hits (72), Takeaways (40), and Blocks (26). Patrick just needs to gain his confidence offensively.
Fortunately, Patrick appears to be getting better, and feels good enough to participate in drills, skates, and now a scrimmage. He has not had a set backs recently as he continues to get better, according to the Flyers General Manager Chuck Fletcher. Obviously, his health has always been far more important, but Patrick is so darn talented offensively that he can breakout out anytime. He is a giddy kid, good character guy in the locker room, as he was singing Lionel Richie’s big hit, “All Night Long” throughout the course of the 2018-19 season. I’ll speak for everyone, we’re just happy, and this is an encouraging sign nonetheless in Patrick’s return to hockey.
Contract time of course he feels better