The news appears to be getting better and better for the Flyers on Nolan Patrick’s condition.
While we may not have a concrete start time for next season yet, the time off have given the Flyers a huge positive. Nolan Patrick hasn’t played an NHL game in over a year. His migraine disorder had almost limited all hockey activities for him.
During the season, Patrick was able to return to practices on a limited basis. He was not taking contact, but he was able to take part in some drills. He was also skating and working by himself on the ice. While it was unlikely he would’ve returned that season, there were positive signs.
With the NHL and NHLPA still in talks about next season, the updates of Patrick haven’t been filled with much detail. Without being able to see what he is up to, it is hard to gauge where he’s at. But the updates that we have been able to get have been promising.
Especially the latest one we received early on Thursday afternoon.
Update: Nolan Patrick is skating without issues and able to sleep much better because headaches have diminished. Still some hurdles but it’s sounding optimistic. #Flyers
— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) December 3, 2020
Patrick has been taking part in regular scrimmages in his hometown of Manitoba. While the scrimmages don’t feature much contact, anything is a positive.
There are still a few hurdles that Patrick will still need to overcome. That includes taking actual contact and dealing with the lights in NHL arenas. Those are things that cannot be determined until Patrick is back in Philadelphia for training camp.
And with the current situation around the league, it is looking less and less likely that a return will come in January. Training camp would have to begin this month to allow players to be ready for the start.
It is starting to look like a late January or even early February start is more possible. Having more time could continue to be a positive for Patrick and the Flyers. But hearing that he is starting to live a more normal life is the biggest positive of them all.