Nolan Patrick makes a big statement about his playing future

This season has been anything but an easy one for Philadelphia Flyers forward Nolan Patrick. Stricken with a migraine disorder that causes severe pain, the 21-year-old former 2^nd overall pick has yet to play a game this season. Things were looking especially bleak recently as it had been announced just over a week ago that he hadn’t even been skating in about a month. Today, however, Patrick seems to be a bit more positive about his future.

"Just taking it a day at a time, hopefully get back soon, but there's no real timeline so it's tough to say. Obviously I'm hoping to get back soon and I believe I'll play this year. That's something I'm trying to stick with.”

In case you missed it, Patrick saying he believes he’ll play this year should come as a huge relief to Flyers fans. There is no cure for the disorder that he has, but it can be managed with proper medication and lifestyle changes. Anyone who has ever suffered a migraine can tell you just how painful and debilitating they can be. It’s tough for most to even imagine the prospect of facing them every single day.

There is some caution that comes along with all of this, though. Patrick had been skating regularly back in October but was held up again after the symptoms started holding him back once again. Hopefully this time he can continue skating relatively symptom free and make his way back into the Flyers’ rotation. Philadelphia is looking like a much-improved team so far this season, and getting Patrick back in the game would be icing on the cake for the fanbase.

Patrick scored 13 goals and posted 31 points in 72 games last season. He has 26 goals and 61 points in 145 games with the team.