Clarification on Career Status
Contrary to some reports, Nolan Patrick has not hung up his skates for good. The Power Play's erroneous mention of Patrick as retired was promptly amended to reflect his accurate designation as a "4x NHL Pro." Despite last appearing in an NHL game on March 24, 2022, Patrick remains active within the professional hockey realm. Following his transition to unrestricted free agency in June, he has yet to sign with another NHL team.
Health Challenges
The hiatus from the rink is largely due to Patrick's ongoing battle with a migraine disorder, a condition that he prefers to keep private. His reluctance to delve into specifics about his migraines has been consistent, as he focuses on managing his health and potential return to the ice.
Hockey Career Highlights
Nolan Patrick's journey through professional hockey began when he was drafted by the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings in 2013. An unfortunate shoulder injury postponed his debut in the WHL, prompting him to spend the 2013-14 season with the Winnipeg Thrashers. Upon his recovery, Patrick made an indelible mark on the WHL, amassing an impressive total of 204 points over 163 games.
His prowess on the ice did not go unrecognized. Patrick earned the Jim Piggott Trophy as the WHL's rookie of the year in the 2014-15 season and played a pivotal role in securing a league championship for the Wheat Kings in the following season. He finished his tenure with the Wheat Kings with an outstanding record of 41 goals and 61 assists.
In recognition of his potential, the Philadelphia Flyers selected Patrick second overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. He made a notable entry into the NHL, contributing 30 points across 73 games during his 2017-18 rookie season with the Flyers. However, his promising career trajectory has been persistently hampered by injuries, including the troublesome migraines that have plagued him off the ice.
After the 2020-21 season, Philadelphia traded Patrick to the Vegas Golden Knights via the Nashville Predators. During his stint with the Golden Knights, he participated in 25 games, bringing his NHL totals to 32 goals, 45 assists, and 77 points across 222 games. Notably, while with Vegas, Patrick was part of the roster that clinched the Stanley Cup in the 2022-23 season, adding a championship ring to his list of achievements.
Reflections and Aspirations
Despite the challenges he has faced, Patrick remains hopeful about his future in hockey. "I'm not going to get into too much detail on how my head feels," he said, choosing to focus on the present and his day-to-day progress. "I'm going to see how camp goes and go from there."
Patrick has openly acknowledged the mental toll of his injury, expressing the difficulty of being sidelined. "It's obviously mentally tough whenever you're injured, watching," he reflected. "You want to be out there. It's obviously a tough injury that affects you mentally more than other ones would. But hopefully, I get back here soon."
With his eyes set on a return to the NHL, Nolan Patrick's story is far from over. His resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration, and fans eagerly await his next move as he works towards lacing up his skates once again for professional play.