Avalanche Draft Profile: Nolan Patrick

Get to Know Nolan Patrick

Date of Birth: 9/19/1998
Place of Birth: Winnipeg, MB, CAN
Ht: 6’3″ Wt: 198 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Center/Right Wing
Team (League): Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Statistics

What Scouts See

Future Considerations:

A lethal combo of size, speed and skill; plays a power game and possesses one of the most well-rounded skill sets in the CHL…has great wheels and is able to surprise with his speed…hands and ability to protect the puck is high end…plays very responsibly with the puck, but also makes something happen each time he possesses it…uses his strength and reach to guard the puck, driving his way around the offensive zone…a heads-up, confident passer…has a sharp release on his wrist shot and is capable of beating a goaltender from anywhere in the offensive zone….his slap shot has high-level accuracy and velocity…a ruthless presence off the puck, simply overpowers his opponents…a great leader, commanding respect with his work ethic and consistent high level of play…willing to stand up for his teammates and bring justice as he sees fit…beats teams with his IQ and seems to always be in control of the play…a number-one NHL center in the making.

Last Word on Sports:

While Patrick is not as good a prospect as the last two first overall picks, Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, he still has potential to become a franchise centre. He might take a little longer to have the immediate impact that McDavid and Matthews have had, but he still could grow to be a very valuable player if he can reach his ceiling. Staying healthy will be key. He is reminiscent of Ryan Getzlaf in terms of playing style. This is not a talent comparison, but simply a stylistic one.

Highlights

NHL Potential

Patrick has the potential to be among the top 15 centers in the NHL. While he likely doesn’t hit the same level as a Matthews or McDavid, there’s nothing stopping him from being a team’s clear-cut top center and potential face of the franchise.  Depending on the team he lands with, he’ll either be a mid-level top center or a very good second center.

How Prospect Fits in Avalanche Organization

In their dreams, mostly. After the brutal draft lottery loss, the chances of Patrick getting to the Avalanche at 4 are slim to none. Should something crazy happen, the Avalanche should take Patrick, drop him into next year’s NHL lineup, and move on with their good fortune.