Playing in the NHL is supposed to be memorable but Nolan Patrick would rather forget about the last few weeks.
The Winnipegger has sat out the last nine games with a concussion. It’s an injury which might make him miss his first game home.
“It sucks a lot,” Patrick said. “I don’t think anyone wants to be hurt.”
Patrick has been hurt several times in his young career. This past summer alone, he underwent a second sports hernia surgery.
“It’s hard on any player when you’re out of the lineup for an extended period of time,” Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol said. “Sometimes more so for a young player, but he’s worked hard and done all the things asked of him.”
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Assisting Patrick through the process has been his teammates. The same group of guys who helped the former top-ranked draft prospect forget about going second overall.
“I haven’t thought about that since the day it happened,” Patrick said.
“Ever since I was drafted, my main focus is trying to contribute as much as I can to this organization.”
The Flyers won’t make a decision until after Thursday’s morning skate on if Patrick will return to the lineup that night to face his hometown Winnipeg Jets.