WINNIPEG – Nolan Patrick is home, but there’s still no indication whether or not the 19-year-old will actually skate in front of friends and family in Winnipeg on Thursday night.
Patrick, picked second overall by the Philadelphia Flyers last June, has been sidelined for the past nine games with a concussion after receiving a clean hit from Chris Wagner of the Anaheim Ducks on Oct. 24. He took part in a full practice with his team Wednesday afternoon, but there’s still no firm timetable for his return.
“I have no idea,” said Patrick when asked if he’d be ready to go against the Jets.
While Patrick said he feels like he’s making process, the call ultimately rests with Flyers coach Dave Hakstol — and he’s certainly not tipping his hand. Chances are we won’t know until just before puck drop if Patrick will be part of the action.
“I’ll make the decision on game day, like I always do,” he said. “All year, I haven’t commented on our lineup and I won’t do it [now].”
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Patrick not only grew up in Winnipeg, but played his major junior just two hours down the road with the Brandon Wheat Kings. Suiting up as an NHLer for the first time in Manitoba would be a thrill, though at this point he’ll take any province or state you’ve got.
“Anywhere would be nice,” he said. “If I was able to play here, it would be pretty cool to play my first game in my hometown, but that decision is not really up to me.”
This is not the first time Patrick has fought through the frustration of injuries. Last season with the Wheat Kings, an abdominal problem robbed him of about half the year and cost him a shot at making Canada’s world junior championship squad.
“I’ve been through the injury process before, so I know how to handle it,” said Patrick, who had abdominal surgery last summer. “I just try to stay positive.”
Right now, that’s the case for Flyers in the lineup, too. Philadelphia has been blanked in its past two outings, both against Devan Dubnyk and the Minnesota Wild. Patrick — who has one goal and three points through nine games this season — wants to be part of the solution when he returns, whenever that may be.
“Hopefully I can contribute when I get back,” he said. “I need to produce more when I get back.”
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