Patrick 2021

Nolan Patrick was the second overall draft pick in 2017. At the ripe age of 18, there was lots of hope for the young talent. After collecting 61 points across his first 2 seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, Patrick was diagnosed with a severe migraine disorder. With his pre-existing concussion history, the future was very uncertain for the young player. None the less, he returned for the 2021 NHL season. Although lots of Philadelphia was optimistic for Patrick’s comeback season, it was quite disappointing. Two things I believe that set him back this season are, his failed rebound and the lack of pre-season and practice. One last thing to mention is what the future will look like for Nolan Patrick. Although this season was a major letdown, there is most definitely a brighter future for the young player.  

The first issue with Nolan Patrick’s 2021 season, was his failed rebound. He missed an entire season due to migraines, and there’s no doubt the training to come back from this would be extremely difficult. Although there were such high standards during the time of his draft, he struggled to meet them even before his issues began. After all of his development, it was quickly destructed. After all this, the 2021 season would require a complete rebuild for Patrick’s game. With this past season being as condensed as it was, this left no time for the necessary training from Patrick. Hopefully, all the trade rumors surrounding the player will motivate him to train extra hard for the 2021-2022 season.  

As I mentioned before, it could be beneficial for Nolan Patrick to have a regular season schedule. He needs a good training camp and practices during the season to help his re-development. The 2021 season had barely any/no preseason training camp, which most likely significantly hurt Patrick’s season. He had virtually no time to recover and gain back even a few of his basic NHL skills. Even if he gets to take part in a good training camp this preseason, he needs a way to further develop outside of game-time. Therefore, having more time for practices during the season could/would help his return to his former self. I do believe that without a COVID-ruined hockey season, Nolan Patrick could come back and have a much better season. 

With everything that has happened in Nolan Patrick’s career, it’s uncertain to tell what the future holds for the former 2nd overall draft pick. However, you can have a few predictions and hopes. First off, one can only hope that Patrick can steer-clear from a trade during the offseason. Like I’ve been evidently pushing, I believe that he has a VERY bright future in Philadelphia. It would be such a shame to watch one of our highest-anticipated draft picks of the decade leave Philadelphia and thrive somewhere else. Maybe Patrick could play up a line to prove his skills. Travis Konecny played MUCH better when playing with Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier on the first line. Imagine if Nolan Patrick got similar results from playing alongside Joel Farabee and Jakub Voracek or JVR. Second, Flyers’ coaching staff can work as hard as possible to create a proper training camp for Patrick. They could even consider sending him back to the development camp for prospects and AHL players. Third, Flyers’ management could consider pulling him down to the Phantoms for a few games if he continues to struggle next season, giving him time to improve his playing, without damaging the Flyers lines. If something like this happens, I’m positive that Nolan Patrick could have an exceptionally bright future with the Philadelphia Flyers.  

All this being said, I’m certain it’s obvious that I’m in favor of Nolan Patrick staying in Philly. I hope I’ve showed that in the long run, it could seriously benefit the Flyers if he stays and further develops. With a regular season and going down the right path for the future, Nolan Patrick could become a star in Philadelphia. I have high hopes for him as far as living up to his expectations, and I hope you do too.