NHL Player Officially Retires Due To Tragic Health Reasons
Nolan Patrick, the once promising second overall pick, has officially called it quits on his professional hockey journey, citing health concerns as the driving force behind his decision.
At the age of 25, Patrick, who previously played for the Flyers and Golden Knights, hasn't laced up his skates since March 2022 due to persistent migraines. Drafted in the second overall spot by the Flyers in 2017, he's now embarking on a different path, bringing his expertise to the rink as a skills coach with The Power Play. This hockey coaching program is spearheaded by former NHL forward Jayce Hawryluk.
Patrick's career encountered numerous hurdles, with recurring concussions dating back to the 2016 WHL Playoffs. A sports hernia during that period led to complications post-surgery, impacting his performance in the subsequent 2016-17 season with the Brandon Wheat Kings. Despite showcasing skill with 20 goals and 46 points in 33 games, his trajectory hit a roadblock.
For Patrick, the challenges persisted. In 2019, the Flyers disclosed his diagnosis of a migraine disorder, attributed to genetics rather than hockey-related factors. Despite determined efforts to make a comeback, the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench into his plans, resulting in his absence for the entire 2019-20 season.
Now, Patrick's ongoing battle with migraines has ultimately led him to make the tough decision to step away from the NHL.
As seen on hawksinsider
| POLL | ||
Do you think Patrick would've had potential if it weren't for his health reasons? | ||
| Yes | 483 | 75.2 % |
| No | 159 | 24.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
