Devastating news revealed regarding 25-year-old former 2nd overall draft pick

On Tuesday night, news broke that former Vegas Golden Knights and Philadelphia Flyers forward Nolan Patrick had retired from the NHL. Patrick was drafted 2nd overall in the 2017 draft, but a string of concussions and severe migraines have led to his unfortunate retirement at just 25-years-old.

Patrick last played in the NHL during the 2021-2022 season, which was also cut short due to being on the receiving end of a late hit from the Colorado Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon in February. Heading into last season, it was announced in September of 2022 that he was going to sit out the entirety of the season in the hopes that a year off would allow him to recover to resume his career. Unfortunately, that was not the case as Patrick went unsigned this past off-season, likely due to his injury history, and on-going battle with his recovery.

Patrick ended his short, four-year career skating in just 222 games between the Flyers and Golden Knights where he collected 32 goals and 77 points and a Stanley Cup as he was still on the Golden Knights roster last season. According to reports, Patrick is continuing to be involved in hockey by acting as a skills specialist, video coach and mentor for The Power Play — a hockey coaching and mentorship program run by Jayce Hawryluk.