Nolan Patrick's career is a story of immense potential consistently overshadowed by persistent injuries. Drafted second overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Patrick entered the league with considerable hype and expectations. However, his journey has been marked by a series of setbacks that have, unfortunately, defined his time in the NHL.

Patrick's talent was evident early on. Before reaching the NHL, he excelled in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Brandon Wheat Kings. During his time with the Wheat Kings, Patrick showcased his offensive skills, amassing 204 points in 163 games. He earned the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the WHL's rookie of the year in 2015. He also played a crucial role in the Wheat Kings' WHL championship win, earning the WHL Playoff MVP award. However, even in his junior career, injuries began to surface, hinting at the challenges he would face later on. He missed games due to various ailments, including a sports hernia.

Upon joining the Philadelphia Flyers, Patrick immediately became a regular in the lineup. In his first season (2017-18), he played 73 games, contributing 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points. He helped the Flyers reach the playoffs and showed promise as a young player. His follow up season was similar, producing 13 goals and 18 assists for 31 points in 69 games. However, the 2019-20 season brought a significant setback. Patrick began experiencing persistent headaches, later diagnosed as a migraine disorder. This condition sidelined him for the entire season, casting uncertainty over his future in the sport.

Patrick returned to the Flyers lineup for the 2020-21 season, playing 52 games. However, his performance was noticeably affected, as he recorded just 4 goals and 5 assists. It was clear that he wasn't at his full potential, and he later admitted to reporters that he had been avoiding strong contact due to his condition. After requesting a trade, Patrick was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights in a three-way trade involving the Nashville Predators. The hope was that a change of scenery and a reunion with his former coach and general manager from the Brandon Wheat Kings, Kelly McCrimmon, would help revitalize his career.

Unfortunately, the injury woes continued in Vegas. Patrick's time with the Golden Knights was short-lived and marked by more injuries. In the 2021-22 season, he managed to play only 25 games, recording 2 goals and 5 assists before an upper-body injury sidelined him once again. He would miss 57 games that season. He did not play another game in the NHL after the 2021-22 season.

Nolan Patrick's career, while filled with flashes of brilliance and high expectations, serves as a stark reminder of how injuries can derail even the most promising trajectories. While he remains an unrestricted free agent, his future in professional hockey is uncertain.