By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The Flyers have made their selection. Nolan Patrick is the newest addition to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Now that the pick has been made and Patrick is officially a Flyer, it’s time to get to know the newest member of the Orange and Black a little bit better.
Here is a scouting report on Nolan Patrick.
Nolan Patrick
Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Center
18 years old
6’2”, 198 pounds
2016-17 Stats: 33 GP, 20 G, 26 A, 46 P, 36 PIM, +9
Strengths
- Complete game with size, strength and skill
- Hockey sense
- Compete level
- Puck skills
- Shot
- Leadership
- Offensive skill
- Good special teams player
Analysis
It really is close as to who is the most all-around player in this draft class. Patrick brings it in all zones, strong on the puck, good in all situations, capable of being an offensive playmaker and a responsible defensive player. He’s a good skater, though far from the best in the class, but he makes up for it with his playmaking abilities and size. He’s a strong, big power forward type who isn’t afraid to shoot the puck and has a good shot to boot, but also has a knack for setting up teammates by drawing attention to himself, thus creating space for everyone else.
This is a top-end player, no question about it. Patrick has the ability to make a ton of noise by himself, or be the table-setter for his teammates. He may not be a generational talent, but this is a fairly rare combination of good speed, tremendous skill and powerful presence and size.
Weaknesses
- Acceleration
- Faceoff percentage
- Physical play
- Injury history
Analysis
A big reason the Flyers may have been able to get Patrick at No. 2 is the injury history, because there really isn’t much of a weakness to his game. More or less, he just needs to hone the other skills where the foundation is very much established already.
But his injury history can be a concern. While he was checked out and there are no concerns about his health entering this season, the fact that injuries really derailed his third season in the WHL makes you wonder if he withstand the endurance needed for the NHL level. It doesn’t seem to be a concern, but if he tweaks something early in his career, the questions are sure to come.
What Scouts Say
“There is no real weakness in his game. There are enough dimensions to his game that he could play a variety of roles in the NHL without much trouble.” – Dennis MacInnis, ISS Hockey Director of Scouting
“Franchise center who does everything well. Puck management is outstanding and he seemingly never gives it away unnecessarily. Unselfish but is a shoot first guy — has a killer instinct at the net.” – ISS Scout Brent Parker
“Have no doubt, this kid is top of the class. After a year full of adversity, including a battle with injuries and a depleted supporting cast, Patrick flourished as a focal player who playing all situations and captained a team at 18. He doesn’t have the jaw-dropping flash of a lot of superstar players but make no mistake, his ability to manage a shift and outthink his opponents will make him a strong two-way center in the league for a long time.” – Scout for Future Considerations
“Patrick is the safe pick for me at No. 1. He has an NHL body, can skate, score and facilitate for teammates. I believe he can step into the NHL right away and make an impact.” – Hockey Prospect Scout Cass Bruni
Comparison: Ryan Getzlaf
Projection: First-line center
Video
