Clarification on Career Status
Contrary to recent reports, Nolan Patrick has not hung up his skates and retired from professional hockey. The mix-up originated from a segment on The Power Play, which mistakenly referred to him as retired. This error was subsequently rectified, and Patrick is now accurately described as a "4x NHL Pro."
While it's true that Patrick has not been seen in an NHL game since March 24, 2022, his absence from the ice is not due to retirement. After becoming an unrestricted free agent in June, he remains unsigned, leaving his return to the league an open question.
Health Challenges
Patrick's career has been notably marred by health issues, specifically a migraine disorder that has plagued him for some time. This condition has been a significant factor in his limited playtime and is something he prefers to keep private, rarely discussing the specifics of his struggles with migraines.
Hockey Career Highlights
Nolan Patrick's journey through professional hockey began when he was drafted into the WHL by the Brandon Wheat Kings in 2013. A shoulder injury initially delayed his start in the WHL, leading him to spend the 2013-14 season with the Winnipeg Thrashers. Despite this setback, Patrick made a significant impact once he joined the Wheat Kings, amassing an impressive 204 points over 163 WHL games.
His talent didn't go unnoticed, as he secured the Jim Piggott Trophy for Rookie of the Year in the 2014-15 season and helped lead his team to a league championship the following year. In total, Patrick scored 41 goals and contributed 61 assists during his tenure with the Wheat Kings.
The Philadelphia Flyers recognized his potential and selected him second overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. Patrick demonstrated his capabilities in his rookie NHL season (2017-18), playing 73 games and recording 30 points for the Flyers. However, his promising career has been persistently hampered by injuries, including the aforementioned migraines that have kept him off the ice for extended periods.
Following the 2020-21 season, Philadelphia traded him to the Vegas Golden Knights via Nashville. During his stint with the Golden Knights, Patrick played 25 games, contributing to the team's dynamic performance. Over his entire NHL career, he has accumulated 32 goals, 45 assists, and 77 points across 222 games, with 197 of those games played during his regular seasons with the Flyers.
Despite the challenges faced in the 2021-22 season, Patrick earned a Stanley Cup ring with the Golden Knights in the 2022-23 season, marking a high point in his professional career.
Perspective on Injuries and Recovery
Addressing his health and career, Patrick has maintained a level of privacy about his condition, choosing not to delve into the specifics of how his head feels. His focus is set on taking each day as it comes, starting with training camp and assessing his readiness to play from there.
Reflecting on the mental toll of his injury, Patrick shared the inherent difficulties of being sidelined. "It's obviously mentally tough whenever you're injured, watching," he said. "You want to be out there." He acknowledged the unique mental burden that his migraine injury imposes, differentiating it from other types of injuries. Yet, he holds onto hope, expressing a desire to return to the ice soon.
In summary, while Nolan Patrick's career has faced significant obstacles, his determination and resilience remain evident. His status as a free agent leaves room for speculation about his future in the NHL, but one thing is clear: Patrick has not officially left the sport and continues to fight for a chance to return to the game he loves.