Patrick ready for Flyers' opener after missing entire 2019-20 season
Philadelphia Flyers forward Nolan Patrick will be in the lineup for the first time in over 21 months when the club opens its season against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday.
Patrick, 22, missed the entire 2019-20 campaign due to a migraine disorder. The 6-foot-2 pivot said he felt good during the Flyers' scrimmage Sunday and is ready to return.
"Made a couple mistakes out there, but my energy level felt good, thought our line created quite a few scoring chances," Patrick said, according to NHL.com's Adam Kimelman. "Lot of fun being back out there. ... I feel really good and I'll be ready for Wednesday."
Head coach Alain Vigneault complimented the play of Patrick, who centered a line flanked by James van Riemsdyk and Jakub Voracek.
"I thought he did a lot of the right things on the ice," Vigneault said. "Thought that line had some chemistry and some good moments. For him and for our team, that's a step in the right direction."
The Flyers selected Patrick with the second overall pick of the 2017 draft, but the Manitoba native has had tough injury luck since, including a sports hernia issue ahead of his rookie campaign.
Patrick has amassed 26 goals and 61 points while averaging 14:24 of ice time in 145 career outings.