Six weeks into the season, the Philadelphia Flyers are still waiting on Nolan Patrick. Unfortunately for them, that wait could last a while longer.
Patrick, 21, has been skating on and off with the Flyers since being diagnosed with a migraine disorder in the summer, Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston said Saturday on Hockey Night in Canada‘s Headlines segment. But Patrick has yet to practise with contact, which means there are more hurdles to clear.
“Really, he stays in a holding pattern right now in his recovery,” Johnston said.
Patrick did not join Philadelphia on its current two-game road swing. The team appears to be in wait-and-see mode with its young centre, hoping his symptoms go away over time. It’s a situation that must be handled with care.
“First of all, it’s a young man’s health and it’s been a very tough go for Nolan Patrick,” Johnston said. “But the Flyers also believe he can be a big boost to their lineup. Right now, they’re waiting to see if those things clear up and they’d love to get him in their lineup as soon as possible.”
Patrick, the No. 2 pick in the 2017 draft, has 61 points in 145 games through two seasons. With Saturday’s shootout win in Toronto, the Flyers have a 9-5-2 record that includes an active three-game winning streak.
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