The Flyers have selected Canadian center Nolan Patrick of the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) with the second-overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft after the Devils took Nico Hischier with the top pick.
Here's what you need to know about the Flyers first-round pick:
NOLAN PATRICK
Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
POSITION: Center | SHOOTS: Right
HEIGHT: 6' 2" | WEIGHT: 199
BORN: Sept. 19, 1998 | HOMETOWN: Winnipeg, Man.
SCOUTING REPORT
• Ranked #2 by Hockeyprospect.com
• Ranked #1 by ISS Hockey
• Ranked #1 by Future Considerations
• Ranked #1 by McKeen's Hockey
• Ranked #1 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
• Ranked #2 by TSN/McKenzie
Ryan Pike, The Hockey Writers
Patrick is a guy that does everything well and nothing poorly. He skates well, with effective acceleration, good top speed and strong mobility. He’s a good 200-foot player, strong both with the puck and away from the puck, though he tends to be most effective in the offensive zone. He’s more of a pass-first player than a shoot-first player, but he doesn’t seem to lean on one single tendency within games – which makes him tough to anticipate in the offensive zone and creates headaches for defenders. [thehockeywriters.com]
NHL Central Scouting
Possesses the skating, skills and smarts associated with a top overall pick – very smooth and composed with the puck – doesn’t get rattled or panic when pressured – excellent hockey sense with very food vision and anticipation – displays Steve Yzerman-like leadership ability; makes players around him better – excellent shot – equally proficient as a playmaker and a finisher – effective size/strength game; competitive and willing to engage in one-on-one and stand up for himself and teammates – complete hockey package. [nhl.com]
Dan Marr, Director of NHL Central Scouting
He has more than proven over the last three years that he is the real deal and will be an impact NHL player. The poise, the presence, the attention to detail, the way he processes and executes plays – everything has been far more precise, far more accurate and a lot quicker this season. [nhl.com]
Anonymous NHL Scout
"I go Patrick [over Hischier] because it's hard to find those centers who can kind of do everything. He's big, skilled, makes plays and is tough. Finding a good center really solidifies a line. I think Hischier is a hybrid winger; that big center is so important. You can't stop size and strength. You can shut down a smaller forward with a bigger defenseman and a good defensive system. I'll take the bigger guy in Patrick."
"Patrick brings that element, that toughness. He's hard to play against and is a two-way center who can score. His skating is probably his weakness right now and the first thing he'll admit, but he's going to be a heck of a player. If I'm getting Hischier in the draft, I'm excited. But I still think that right-shot, big strong center, is too hard to pass up at No. 1." [nhl.com]
STATS
A CAUSE FOR CONCERN?
While Patrick’s list of accomplishments quite obviously speaks for itself, an issue often lost in the conversation is the vast number of injuries which Patrick has compiled throughout his short hockey career. In fact, upon closer inspection, Patrick’s injury history is more daunting and, arguably, concerning than previously imagined. ...
So, is Patrick’s health truly a long-term concern?
Well, I think it has to be, and especially so for the NHL franchise which chooses to select him at the upcoming 2017 NHL Draft. While having missed such a substantial portion of his development is of no concern to some, it has to have an impact on how he and his immense potential will be viewed at hockey’s highest level.
Of course, Patrick could quite easily put these injuries behind him and enjoy a long and healthy NHL career, much like Alex Galchenyuk has been able to do with the Montreal Canadiens. However, until Patrick can honestly claim to be fully healthy and play a entire, uninhibited hockey season, concerns surrounding his health will understandably continue to abound. [Brett Slawson, thehockeywriters.com]
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