Anytime the former #2 overall pick of the 2017 NHL Draft hits the ice for a scrimmage it’s a good thing. I will continue to follow his progress until he hopefully is cleared for contact in Training Camp. Flyers doctors obviously have to clear him for contact, as well as, Patrick’s doctors but they cannot do such until Training Camp.
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However, anytime Patrick hits the ice it means he has not suffered a setback, and continues to make good progress. Flyers’ General Manager Chuck Fletcher has spoken very highly of him throughout the offseason, and has remained optimistic of Patrick returning to the Flyers for the 2020-21 season.
A team with Travis Sanheim and Nolan Patrick!!!! Talk about a dream team. They rocked it today folks. Both Patrick and Sanheim were flat-out flying. Patrick was confident, determined, and when he gets down low shielding the puck like Jakub Voracek does. He becomes that much tougher to move off the puck, as Patrick then lights the lamp “Top shelf where momma hides the cookies.”
Patrick does a lot of things well on the ice. His ability to shut down top lines, as he thinks Defense first cannot be understated. Patrick played on the top line with JVR, and Giroux in his second season, and he was faced with facing top line after top line on some nights. He closes gaps on players, much like Sean Couturier does so well. Moreover, Patrick finished with career highs in Points (31), Hits (72), TK (40), and Blocks (26). Even with a crazy year with Ron Hextall being fired, Dave Hakstol being fired, Wayne Simmonds being traded, and a locker room that went through influx, Patrick still managed to post career highs in those categories mentioned.
Whatever the case maybe Flyers fans, Patrick continues to make improvements and strides towards returning on a nightly basis for the orange and black in 2020-21. Chuck Fletcher did not prioritize the 3C position, which also means good news for Patrick and the Flyers. The future is hopefully looking bright for this young 22-year-old.
Nolan Patrick could be our number one offseason upgrade if he comes in healthy and playing up to his ability. Solid centers front to back is not something every team gets to enjoy.
He will have a great season!