It’s always good to kickstart the weekend with some good news and the Flyers delivered exactly that this evening. Nolan Patrick has signed his qualifying offer, meaning he’ll spend at least one more year in Philadelphia.
The 22-year-old is still technically on injured reserve, meaning that his new cap hit of $847,125 won’t take hold until he returns to action. That might be sooner than we think. Patrick has taken part in at least two scrimmages within the last month, clearly pushing to get back on the Ice as soon as possible.
This is a really encouraging sign. Patrick missed the entirety of last season due to a migraine disorder. He returned to practice prior to the season’s abrupt suspension in the heart of the pandemic, and the team have been nothing short of 100% behind the former second-overall pick.
There’s still a high ceiling for Nolan Patrick. The Flyers have two opportune lines for Patrick to break onto, if healthy. Morgan Frost will currently pilot the third line, with Scott Laughton the fourth. If Patrick can log some ice-time and mark a gradual incline, then the chance of a longer-term deal will snowball.
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Patrick play in a Flyers jersey, but also important to remember that he’s still extremely young for a hockey player. He’s played in 145 games as a Flyer and in that time has amassed 26 goals, 35 assists, combining for 61 total points. The upside is still there.
For Patrick, staying in Philly made sense. If any team is best-suited to helping Patrick manage his condition, it’s the franchise who already knows everything about it having been there from the jump.
Here’s to hoping we see him on the Ice next season in a year that kickstarts a heart-warming comeback!
Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
