Philadelphia Flyers former first-round pick Nolan Patrick has retired from the NHL and is taking on a new position as a "retired pro"

On Tuesday, news broke that Nolan Patrick was taking a step away from professional hockey because of head trauma involving migraines and concussions causing health concerns.

The news was reported on Instagram in a post from The Power Play, a hockey coaching and mentorship program by current hockey player Jayce Hawryluck. It also made a report on X (Twitter).

Drafted By Philadelphia Flyers:

The Philadelphia Flyers made a controversial selection in 2017, when considering the draft class that year. Drafting the Winnipeg native with the second overall pick after he put up promising numbers in the WHL with the Brandon Wheat Kings. 102 points (41 goals, 61 assists) in 72 games in 2015-16.

Patrick played only 4 seasons in his NHL career, three of which were in the orange and black. However, he was, unfortunately, injury-prone from his time in the juniors. Suffering grievance that hurt his chances of ever playing a full career in the NHL. 

Patrick, who played 197 games in the orange and black, accumulating 30 goals, 40 assists, and 70 points, signed with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2021-22.

Signing a 2-year, $2,400,000 million deal in the Sin City. Patrick would only manage 25 games because of an injury early in the season that took him out of play for the rest of the season. Prior to, in 2019 with the Flyers he was diagnosed with debilitating migraines. Beginning his long list of health concerns mixed in with all the previous injuries, he had played his (assumed) last game in the National Hockey League.

Where Is Nolan Patrick Now?

In September 2022, it was announced that Patrick would not play during the 2022-23 season. During his short stint in Las Vegas, he managed 2 goals, 5 assists, 7 points and a plus-minus of +1 in 25 games for the Golden Knights in one season of his two-year deal. He finished his career shy of $6,000,00 million between three contracts.

Since playing his last NHL game in early February 2022 and burning the last year of his contract with the Golden Knights on the injury reserve (IR). He remained a free agent throughout the 2022-23 season. However, there had been no word about his retirement prior to Tuesday night.

Patrick himself has not released a statement regarding his passing of the torch. But it appears Patrick will join The Power Play, alongside Jayce Hawryluckis. Granting him the chance to still be around the game he loves.

"Nolan Patrick - Skills Specialist, Video Coach, Mentor: Retired pro with significant NHL experience. 2nd overall NHL pick, played with Philadelphia Flyers and Vegas Golden Knights. WHL Rookie of the Year, Playoff MVP, and Champion."

Note: His bio on the website has now replaced "retired pro" with "4x NHL Pro".

The 25-year-old finished his career with 32 goals, 45 assists, and 77 points in 222 games played between two beloved franchises. Wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors in and around the hockey community.

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