Exit Interview: Can Nolan Patrick find his game after dealing with migraine issues?

Nolan Patrick returned to the ice for the first time in nearly two years this season for the Flyers. He missed the entirety of the 2019-20 season with migraine issues and was only cleared to play before training camp.

For offseason training, Patrick dealt with not only the COVID restrictions, but the restrictions of his migraine issue as well. He had missed a year of hockey and was limited in training. This season, he wasn’t anywhere near the top of his game with just nine points in 52 games.

Recently, it was reported that Patrick hired his third agent in as many years. He may look for a fresh start elsewhere this summer, but the Flyers might be reluctant to give him up.

Patrick discussed how it felt to return to NHL action after a season off, the effect his migraine issues had on his play, how this offseason might be different, and more in his exit interview last week.

Nolan Patrick Exit Interview

On the importance of having a full, healthy offseason heading into next year

It’ll be the most important offseason of my life for sure. The last couple years were tough, so I’m looking forward to having a healthy summer of training.

Can you talk about how difficult it was to play this year without really having a camp after all you went through and how did you think you adjusted this year as the season went on?

It was really hard. I feel like I came in behind the eight-ball for sure. Struggling to find my game. Clearly didn’t adjust great and get back to the top of my game quick and it showed.

What will you do differently this offseason that maybe you couldn’t do last year?

Train. Be able to do everything. It’s exciting, it’s been a long time.

On being in the hockey mindset and not having to worry about medical issues

It was great, obviously. Just being back with the team and back on the ice. Everything just felt weird this year with the COVID season so I think it was obviously different for everyone and made things a little harder. It wasn’t a great year so gotta bounce back for sure.

Does your lack of offensive production weigh on your mind?

Yeah, for sure

Were there moments during the season where you felt like you were getting back to your peak form?

I don’t really know. I didn’t play great for a lot of the year. I had some good moments but struggled with staying consistent. I think having a full offseason and full camp and hopefully back to normal next year, that’ll help.

Were you leary to go into contact areas due to your migraine issues?

Maybe a little bit at the start. I think when you’re dealing with an injury for that long it’s kind of always on your mind a little bit. At the start of the year I was thinking about it quite a bit and it probably affected my play a little bit. But I’m back to 100% health now so it’s nice.