REPORT: NHL’s #1 draft prospect comments on the chance to join Flyers

Projected #1 NHL Entry Draft selection Nolan Patrick was polite at the NHL Draft Lottery earlier this week in saying that he’d “be honored to go anywhere” in the NHL draft. Just a few days removed from that announcement that he’d likely go to either the New Jersey Devils or Philadelphia Flyers based on their draft positions, and it looks as if Patrick is considering his options a little more closely now.

When asked about the prospect of playing for the Devils or Flyers, Patrick replied “I thought about it a bit and I’ve got buddies who play for the Devils and Flyers,” he said, referring to New Jersey’s John Quenneville and Philadelphia’s Ivan Provorov, both of whom were teammates of Patrick’s in the WHL with the Brandon Wheat Kings. “I’ve exchanged text messages with them and we all agree it would be fun to get back together.”

While not described as a generational talent like the draft’s two preceding number 1 picks Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, Patrick is still a very valuable blue chip prospect. The 6’2”, 200 lb center has been described as a proto-typical all-around player who has the ability to make a difference at both ends of the ice. While the Flyers have a wealth of depth at center with Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Valtteri Filpula and Travis Konecny, the team’s situation may provide Patrick with a soft landing spot and the opportunity to adjust to the NHL at his own pace.