'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
NHL fans were shocked when former second-overall pick Nolan Patrick announced his retirement at the age of 25. The announcement was shared by Spittin' Chiclets on Twitter.
Trending
Almost immediately, the social media platform became a space for fans to share their thoughts and reactions to this unexpected news.
One fan acknowledged the unfortunate impact of injuries on Patrick's career:
"Injuries suck this is brutal."
Another fan took a more optimistic perspective, focusing on Patrick's potential for a bright future beyond the rink.
"When he’s old and gray, he’ll be able to tell people he played in the NHL, scored a bunch of goals, and prioritized his health. While this is sad, it’s a hell of a lot better than being physically crippled so early in life. Hope he succeeds in coaching," one fan said.
Other fans wished Patrick well in his future endeavors:
"Such a sad story, hope he finds happiness in whatever he decides to pursue next."
In an interesting turn of events though, Patrick clarified that he wasn't stepping away from the ice. While speaking to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the 25-year-old acknowledged a shift in his career towards a position with The Power Play, but emphasized that it doesn't signify an end to his playing days.
Nolan Patrick's struggles with injuries
Nolan Patrick embarked on his professional hockey journey amid high expectations, being selected as the second overall pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2017 NHL Draft. Before making his mark in the NHL, Patrick showcased his impressive skills in the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he won Rookie of the Year and Playoff MVP.
Despite his promising start in the NHL, Patrick's development was marred by recurring setbacks, most notably migraines.
Over four seasons split between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Vegas Golden Knights, the talented Canadian struggled to stay healthy, preventing him from reaching the expected heights of a top draft pick.
Patrick scored 32 goals, assisted 45 times, and had 77 points in 222 games.
