After missing an entire season, the Flyers are happy to have Patrick back on the ice.
All eyes were on the Flyers training camp roster when it was released on Saturday. Everyone was looking for one name on particular. And that was Nolan Patrick. Seeing his name was one thing, it was then seeing him out on the ice when camp began.
The team returned on Sunday for off-ice testing to gauge where they were at the start. The real work began on Monday. And that is when the Flyers got exactly what they hoped they would. Nolan Patrick took the ice with the first group of the day.
And he didn’t just take the ice. He was an active participant in camp drills. Vigneault was still running his usual high-pace, up tempo practice. So Patrick’s ability to keep up in said drills is the biggest thing we’ve seen from him recently.
Patty’s back. pic.twitter.com/prXoCQAZAn
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 4, 2021
And he wasn’t shying away from contact either. Taking contact was the next step for him had the regular season continued. He had been taking part in scrimmages in his hometown, but they appeared to lack contact.
By all accounts from those at training camp, Patrick looked like his old self. Basically while he didn’t stand out, he also didn’t look like someone who hasn’t played an NHL games in almost two years.
All sides are taking things day by day and practice by practice. For Patrick, he feels good and has the ability to keep up in team scrimmages. It’s the same feeling from the coaching staff as well about his progress thus far.
AV: I thought Nolan looked really good today. Had a couple chats with him the last couple days, he feels really good about where he is. Feeling really upbeat about his energy level. I see the excitement in him about being back with his teammates, out there having fun.
— Charlie O'Connor (@charlieo_conn) January 4, 2021
AV: In the convos I've had with Nolan and the doctors, he's gone through the whole protocol medically. He's cleared for contract. Patrick wants to get a couple good team practices in, then go from there.
— Charlie O'Connor (@charlieo_conn) January 4, 2021
While it was obvious that Patrick passed his physical and was medically cleared, it is still great to hear about the progress he has made while he was out. His energy level being back where it was before is the most positive sign we’ve seen from him in quite a while.
Minor Training Camp Notes
Tanner Laczynski will be out for the time being after core muscle surgery in the offseason.
Zayde Wisdom was listed on the training camp roster as injured. However, there was no word from the team on why he missed the practice. He is expected to return tomorrow, however.
Monday was the beginning of Sam Morin’s transition to left wing. He did grab a rebound goal and make a few nice plays throughout the practice.
The Flyers will be back on the ice Tuesday where they will once again be split into two groups. Expect to see some different line combinations as Vigneault is looking to see what some of his younger players are able to do with the veterans.