Nolan Patrick will not join Flyers for playoff run

Another huge blow to this young man’s development. The kid hasn’t played an NHL game in nearly 500 days…

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 3 years ago
Nolan Patrick will not join Flyers for playoff run
Zuma Press

In case you missed the news yesterday, TSN hockey insider Frank Seravalli reported that Philadelphia Flyers forward and former 2nd overall pick Nolan Patrick did not participate in the Flyers’ opening day of training camp.

Check it out:



Nolan Patrick, the No. 2 overall pick in 2017 Draft who sat out this season with a migraine disorder, is not on the Flyers’ camp roster.
Patrick has not played an NHL game since April 2, 2019 - a span of 468 days, including the 142-day pause during the pandemic.


Patrick, of course, has yet to play a game for the Flyers this season due to an ongoing migraine disorder. In fact, the 21 year old has played just a combined 145 games over the past three seasons since being drafted 2nd overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. By comparison, 1st overall pick Nico Hischier has played 209 career NHL games in the same time span. In fact, 3rd overall pick Miro Heiskanen has played more career games despite starting his NHL career a full season after Patrick.

Now, Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher has confirmed that Patrick won’t suit up for the team until next season (whenever that is).

Check it out:



GM Chuck Fletcher on the status of Nolan Patrick: “Our focus is on getting him ready for the 2020-21 season. We want to be prudent and prioritize his health and safety in the long run. We have a short run way here before we jump right into playoff hockey.”

No matter which way you look at this development, it's a huge blow to both Patrick and the Flyers. There were concerns surrounding Patrick heading into the draft, specifically surrounding shoulder issues that he had during his final season in the WHL with the Brandon Wheat Kings. Unfortunately, despite some flashes of brilliance during his short tenure in the NHL so far, all Patrick has done is confirm the doubters. He has struggled to stay healthy and has suffered setback after setback in his attempt to return from his migraine disorder. Despite being the 2nd pick from his draft year, he has been pretty clearly passed in his development by players like Heiskanen, Hischier, Elias Pettersson, Robert Thomas and Cale Makar.

Here's hoping the added time to rest and recover enables Patrick to come out like a beast when the puck drops on the 2020-21 season.