As of last week, Nolan Patrick was on the ice skating with the team in a tinted visor. Now, per head coach Alain Vigneault, Patrick is cleared to practice with the team, and will for the rest of the week. Although he is still not clear for contact, it is obvious that steps are being taken in the right direction to assure Patrick will be back on the ice as soon as his health will permit. This is a positive sign for the young forward, who has been the subject of much speculation when it comes to the length of his absence. “There is no timetable on my return for this injury,” Patrick said, “I expect to play (this season).” Vigneault has a more cautious approach when it comes to a timetable, saying he wouldn’t be excited until Patrick was sent down to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms for a conditioning stint.
Players who miss significant time due to injury will typically be sent to the AHL for a conditioning stint before they resume their play at the NHL level. For Patrick, this does not matter to him, “I don’t really care either way,” said Patrick, “I just want to play.” For Patrick, playing makes all the problems go away. During practice, Patrick can be seen laughing and smiling alongside his good friend Travis Konecny, as well as flying up and down the ice.
For Patrick, these past months without the game he loves most have been tough. With everybody anxious for his return, it has been especially tough on him. “You have no idea how tough the question of hearing ‘how are you doing’ is,” said Patrick. For somebody as young as he is (21-years-old), having an injury like this can be tough on a players mindset. Thankfully, he has just one goal in mind, and that’s to get healthy and get back on the ice.
Patrick is aware of the impending trade deadline, and the implications his return may have on the team. Patrick says he’s not “trying to get back just for that.” Although his return may not be coming just yet, the news surrounding him has been nothing but good as of late.
