There's good news and bad news for Nolan Patrick fans. Bad news is hes obviously lacking game shape, doesn't have his foot speed back, he looks rusty, he's being hit more than he ever has been and his puck handling skills are off, best estimate is he's playing at 75% of the level of last seasons playoffs
The good news is that even though he is so far off his past play, in his 4 games since returning he has 4 goals and 4 assists.
The interesting question is, can Patrick return to the heights of his first two years, or has his injury slowed him down? Should be an interesting next two months
Is it the general consensus he will play in the NHL tomorrow?
yes he's the only NHL ready player in this draft
Hischier too, I think.
Patrick"s odds are around 80 % that hes in the NHL. I'd say Hischier's odds are probably about 40% and would almost certainly be put on wing until he bulks up as he is only around 170 lbs.
He would be fine size wise. It's more about how he can handle the jump to less time and space. Given his speed it may not be a problem. Only time will tell. Patrick is for sure ready.
he will be in NHL next year. Hes already been in the WHL way too long. Waiting that extra year for him to be drafted seems like its taken forever
Can you elaborate?
Is this just due to a late birthday?
He's not as good of a pro prospect as Sam was coming out of the WHL.
I've said it before, it he reminds me so much of Sean Couturier.
Coots is a good player, and so is Patrick, but I'd expect more from a potential top pick.
Are you basing these opinions off of one game?
I think he's a much more psychically mature player than Sam was coming out of the WHL which I think will aid in a much quicker transition.
As far as a Couturier comparison I just don't see it. I think Patrick has a higher offensive ceiling than Coots.
I've said it before, it he reminds me so much of Sean Couturier.
Coots is a good player, and so is Patrick, but I'd expect more from a potential top pick.
You're out out of your mind, Patrick had a better pre draft year that Couturier had a draft year
Patrick will be in the NHL playing center and outscore Couturier next season
You're out out of your mind, Patrick had a way better pre draft year that Couturier had a draft year