Report: Patrick hoping to return on Thursday in his hometown

It would be a dream come true for Philadelphia Flyers rookie Nolan Patrick. The 19-year-old could play his first NHL game against his favourite childhood team, the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night at Bell MTS Place – if he’s cleared by doctors to return to the lineup from a concussion suffered back on Oct. 24.

Patrick would like to play Thursday in his home city, but knows it’s not his decision.

“It sucks,” Patrick said Monday to TSN. “I’m trying to stay positive, not really trying to think about it that way, trying to come back and contribute as much as I can.

“It’s frustrating for anyone when you’re injured. But getting frustrated about it is not going to make it heal any faster.”

The young forward was injured when a shoulder-to-shoulder hit by Anaheim Ducks' Chris Wagner caused the rookie’s head to hit the glass. Before the injury, Patrick had a goal, two assists, and a plus-2 rating in nine games.

He is keeping his fingers crossed he can face the Jets tomorrow.