Flyers’ Patrick still recovering from surgery

With the Philadelphia Flyers selecting near the top of the draft for the first time in 10 years, you figure that their selection, centerman Nolan Patrick, would be getting all the attention at this summer’s development camp. Except, due to a late season sports hernia surgery, Patrick hasn’t yet been on the ice in Flyers colors.

“It’s mostly a sharp pain in skating,” said Patrick when describing the injury that led to the proactive procedure. “That was the main thing that bothered me. My skating couldn’t get to where it needed to be and you get tired quickly. It’s tough to explain but it’s a sharp shooting pain in your lower stomach. I had it on both sides for a while there. I got one side fixed and then was having issues on that side again.”

That doesn’t sound good. Chronic back pain in an 18 year-old is not a good sign. While Patrick is progressing and getting closer to seeing some on-ice action, he’s progressing slowly and the Flyers are taking their time to ensure that he’s at full strength before hitting the ice. 

If the #2 pick in last month’s NHL Entry Draft is unable to lace up his skates for game 1 of the 2017-18 season, it would be a huge disappointment for the franchise. An even bigger disappointment however would be hindering his development by rushing him into action before he’s physically able to compete. It will be interesting to see how Patrick and the Flyers handle this delicate situation as the offseason progresses.