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The Philadelphia Flyers are playing well, but wait, where is Nolan Patrick?

By Ricky Amandeo

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Through the first 22 games of the season, the Philadelphia Flyers are 11-7-4 start despite being without 2017 first-round pick Nolan Patrick.

The Philadelphia Flyers are displaying highs and lows through the first quarter of the season. Their 26 points are good enough to put them tied for fourth in the Metropolitan Division, only one point back of Hurricanes.

This season has been a bit of a bumpy ride so far. We have witnessed the team go through an eight-game streak where they picked up at least a point, yet also watched the team drop four in a row. In his 13 starts, goaltender Carter Hart has been pulled a drastic three times already, yet has a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.72. His backup, Brian Elliot, has also made nine starts, with a GAA of 2.75.

Travis Konecny and Oskar Lindblom have been stellar for the team. The dynamic duo has combined for 39 points so far. Ivan Provorov has been quietly producing for the Flyers as well, as the d-man has 14 points (fifth on the team!). Rookies Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee have been playing like seasoned veterans so far also, bringing an immediate contribution to the team.

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The Flyers are finally a better team. After years of meritocracy, the orange and black look to be playoff-bound this season. There is just one missing piece in the equation for long-term success, and that is Nolan Patrick.

Where is he?

After being drafted second overall by the Flyers in the 2017 NHL draft, Nolan Patrick has played in 145 games for the orange and black. This equates to about 88% of the Flyers’ games since the start of the 2017 season. Here, he has put up 61 total points, while also bringing a spark to the Flyers toward the end of the 2018-2019 season.

However, the youngster has failed to touch the ice this season.

Back on September 26th, it was announced that Patrick had been diagnosed with migraine disorder. As most know, head injuries were the Achilles’ heel of the 21-year-old center. Head injuries are almost impossible to predict in terms of recovery time. So, unfortunately for Patrick and the Flyers, the unknown still surrounds his potential return.

The youngster started to skate with a non-contact jersey. His progression toward return is beginning, however, the exact speed is still unknown.

“We just continue to work with him and hope that he continues to improve.” Flyers’ general manager stated on the current state of Patrick’s injury. According to team reporter Sam Carchidi, Patrick is making strides in a positive direction but still is not cleared to play.

Moving forward

As the season progresses into the second quarter, the Flyers have turned to rookie Morgan Frost to fill in as their much-needed center. Currently, Frost has played two NHL games, tallying a goal in each, as well as an assist via a nifty move to set up Claude Giroux against the Hurricanes.

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The Philadelphia Flyers would be smart not to rush Patrick back into the equation. Head injuries are tricky, and Patrick is a mere 21 years of age. To force him back into a lineup loaded with centers would only call for any potential of more long-term effects for Patrick. In the era of CTE, the Flyers better be careful for their franchise player’s sake.

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