C Nolan Patrick - Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL (2017 Draft)

[Daximus]

Daximus

Anyone seen this guy in action?

whats his abilities like? Is he a franchice number 1?

is he even a number 1?

number 2? Cause if he's only a number 2 centreman, then this years draft is pretty much a wash.

If he can remain healthy I think he can be a 1C probably a very good 2C on a team that has a Crosby, McDavid type guy.
I liken him to a guy like Benn or Getzlaf. Whose just good at everything. Shot, vision, passing, IQ, defensive ability, skating, checking, fighting, play point on a PP and PK too. He can do it all. He's extremely well rounded in that sense. Hard to say how he will develop but at this point he may not be elite at one thing he's just very good at all facets of the game.

 

[93LEAFS]

then it's a ****** draft year, thank you for your insight.

seriously, Monahan is great, but if the best player is a "Monahan" yea...

Well is he at least better then Pierre Luc Dubois?

They are comparable. I'd take Patrick, but that doesn't seem to be a universally held opinion. I would have gone Patrick in June as I think he's a sure thing center at the next level and has a similar offensive upside. I've never been fully sold on Dubois being a #1C at the NHL level. I think he's a power-winger if he's going to reach his offensive ceiling, but if he stays at center is a 2nd line do everything center such as Jordan Staal or Sean Couturier.

 

[MonyontheMoney]

He's not a sure thing, but I think he'll be a number 1. He has Toews like traits (the thing is Toews manages to get 110% out of his abilities), but a more realistic projection might be Sean Monahan.

He does remind me of Monahan, I like that comparison, but I think Patrick has a lot more "jam" to his game than Monahan.

 

[93LEAFS]

He does remind me of Monahan, I like that comparison, but I think Patrick has a lot more "jam" to his game than Monahan.

Yeah, no player to player comparison is ever perfect. Just wanted to point out a realistic comparable from around the league. Big guys with balanced offensive games who can be the playmaker or goal scorer on a line if needed plus being responsible in both ends. Hopefully, he comes back strong and has a good WJC. He absolutely has #1C upside even if he's not viewed as a Matthews, Eichel, and Mackinnon type prospect. People need to remember that while 2012 was viewed as a weak draft without a clear franchise changing talent at the top, so were 2007 and 2014. Kane turned into a pretty good 1st overall pick, and Ekblad while having a rough start this year looks to be a perennial Norris threat. So, while there may be more risk, you are still getting a hell of a talent at #1 this year.

 

[Love]

I'd be happy with a right-handed Sean Monahan with more jam at #1, if thats what he becomes. And as of now it looks like theres a decent chance we could be picking him in June. Having him and Horvat down the middle long term would be great.

 

[Love]

Yeah, no player to player comparison is ever perfect. Just wanted to point out a realistic comparable from around the league. Big guys with balanced offensive games who can be the playmaker or goal scorer on a line if needed plus being responsible in both ends. Hopefully, he comes back strong and has a good WJC. He absolutely has #1C upside even if he's not viewed as a Matthews, Eichel, and Mackinnon type prospect. People need to remember that while 2012 was viewed as a weak draft without a clear franchise changing talent at the top, so were 2007 and 2014. Kane turned into a pretty good 1st overall pick, and Ekblad while having a rough start this year looks to be a perennial Norris threat. So, while there may be more risk, you are still getting a hell of a talent at #1 this year.

How does he compare to Ryan Johansen? Thats one guy I've likened him to, but I probably haven't seen him as much as you.

 

[93LEAFS]

How does he compare to Ryan Johansen? Thats one guy I've likened him to, but I probably haven't seen him as much as you.

I'd think a more seasoned WHL watcher could go more in-depth in that such as Daximus. They have similar traits, I don't think Johansen has as complete of a 200-foot approach. I sort of hate the Toews comparisons for a lot of prospects because it gets thrown around a lot (sometimes without it making much sense) but Patrick seems like a guy who wants to win every small battle, which is Toews esque. Johansen has never really struck me as a guy who plays like that, I know at points in Columbus he would just drift out of games.

 

[Love]

I'd think a more seasoned WHL watcher could go more in-depth in that such as Daximus. They have similar traits, I don't think Johansen has as complete of a 200-foot approach. I sort of hate the Toews comparisons for a lot of prospects because it gets thrown around a lot (sometimes without it making much sense) but Patrick seems like a guy who wants to win every small battle, which is Toews esque. Johansen has never really struck me as a guy who plays like that, I know at points in Columbus he would just drift out of games.

Yeah I feel like sometimes the Toews comparison gets thrown around with Patrick especially since they share the same hometown (its like when people were saying Turris would be the next Sakic).

But thats a good point you made about wanting to win every little battle, which is certainly more of a Toews trait than a Johansen trait.

 

[93LEAFS]

Yeah I feel like sometimes the Toews comparison gets thrown around with Patrick especially since they share the same hometown (its like when people were saying Turris would be the next Sakic).

But thats a good point you made about wanting to win every little battle, which is certainly more of a Toews trait than a Johansen trait.

I find the Toews comparison gets thrown around on any skilled young two-way center. Just last draft I heard it used on Matthews and Jost. Also saw it thrown around a bunch with Sam Reinhart and Monahan, and now used with Patrick. It seems to be an easy go-to-comparison without much of an explanation attached. I think I find it frustrating because so much of what makes Toews's Toews is intanglibes that are hard to measure, then people are trying to project these tools on to 18 year old kids. They then use a player having a good work ethic or rumored leadership abilities to attach the Toews label. Not trying to rip on the Canucks, but I also remember it being thrown around on Cody Hodgson.

 

[Daximus]

I'd think a more seasoned WHL watcher could go more in-depth in that such as Daximus. They have similar traits, I don't think Johansen has as complete of a 200-foot approach. I sort of hate the Toews comparisons for a lot of prospects because it gets thrown around a lot (sometimes without it making much sense) but Patrick seems like a guy who wants to win every small battle, which is Toews esque. Johansen has never really struck me as a guy who plays like that, I know at points in Columbus he would just drift out of games.

Yeah I feel like sometimes the Toews comparison gets thrown around with Patrick especially since they share the same hometown (its like when people were saying Turris would be the next Sakic).

But thats a good point you made about wanting to win every little battle, which is certainly more of a Toews trait than a Johansen trait.

I find the Toews comparison gets thrown around on any skilled young two-way center. Just last draft I heard it used on Matthews and Jost. Also saw it thrown around a bunch with Sam Reinhart and Monahan, and now used with Patrick. It seems to be an easy go-to-comparison without much of an explanation attached. I think I find it frustrating because so much of what makes Toews's Toews is intanglibes that are hard to measure, then people are trying to project these tools on to 18 year old kids. They then use a player having a good work ethic or rumored leadership abilities to attach the Toews label. Not trying to rip on the Canucks, but I also remember it being thrown around on Cody Hodgson.

Definitely agree with you guys. Toews and Kopitar probably get thrown around a lot because of what they have accomplished.
It's tough to find a current center that would be a good comparable for this kid. He plays the game in a very basic but unique way, which might be why so many people can't get a good read on how good he will be. He really doesn't do anything at that elite best in the world type of way which I think makes people say "we'll he's not McDavid or Matthews flashy so he must not be any good." He just does all the little stuff so well. His game is so simple and complete that he almost makes it look effortless.
Sam Cosantino said it best, "You can check every single box for this kid, he does it all."

I think he's the kind of kid that if he reaches his maximum potential can put up 60 (give or take 10~ on either side) points per season and be a Selke candidate. He will also likely be Captain material and is the kind of kid that isn't afraid to drop the gloves and stand up for his teammates. A real piss and vinegar type of leader.

The biggest question surrounding him now is can he stay healthy?

 

[Daximus]

Anyone have any news on Patrick's injury and possible return date?
It's been quiet for awhile.

 

[93LEAFS]

Anyone have any news on Patrick's injury and possible return date?
It's been quiet for awhile.

Nothing since McKenzie's report last week that it would be another 2 to 3 weeks (after it was decided he didn't need a 2nd sports hernia surgery) and it was questionable if he would be in good game shape for the opening of the December 11th camp.

 

[Daximus]

Nothing since McKenzie's report last week that it would be another 2 to 3 weeks (after it was decided he didn't need a 2nd sports hernia surgery) and it was questionable if he would be in good game shape for the opening of the December 11th camp.

Really hope he can get back to the ice ASAP! He needs to start proving he can hold onto his 1OA spot.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

I think he is pretty solid as the #1 OA pick this year.

 

[Szechwan]

Anze Kopitar?

 

[Daximus]

I think he is pretty solid as the #1 OA pick this year.

He's starting to face a lot of competition from Vilardi, Hischier and Petterson.

 

[Daximus]

Anze Kopitar?

I'd say closer to a Ryan Getzlaf. Though further along in his development and a bit better overall at the same age. Kopitar might be a bit more well rounded in different ways.

 

[Eternal Leaf]

I think he is pretty solid as the #1 OA pick this year.

He is.

The previous two drafts undervalue his worth because of McDavid, Eichel, Matthews, and Laine. I mean it's a hard sell when you would have gone 3rd in the last two drafts.

Unfair and the team that gets him will have a fantastic center for years to come.

 

[sbtatter]

Nothing since McKenzie's report last week that it would be another 2 to 3 weeks (after it was decided he didn't need a 2nd sports hernia surgery) and it was questionable if he would be in good game shape for the opening of the December 11th camp.

Contradicting news in Bdn this week. On the positive side, Nolan is back in Brandon. On the negative side, someone loosely connected with someone who knows Nolan well says he is likely out until Feb.
so call this post a big fat RUMOUR ALERT, just thought I'd pass along the gossip at the rink!

 

[93LEAFS]

Contradicting news in Bdn this week. On the positive side, Nolan is back in Brandon. On the negative side, someone loosely connected with someone who knows Nolan well says he is likely out until Feb.
so call this post a big fat RUMOUR ALERT, just thought I'd pass along the gossip at the rink!

Local hearsay is always welcome here (as long as it isn't slanderous). Maybe it means he had to go for the 2nd surgery McKenzie talked about, which would put him out another 6 to 8 weeks. If he's out til then, his draft stock is really going to start getting challenged if he doesn't return strong.

 

[Daximus]

Contradicting news in Bdn this week. On the positive side, Nolan is back in Brandon. On the negative side, someone loosely connected with someone who knows Nolan well says he is likely out until Feb.
so call this post a big fat RUMOUR ALERT, just thought I'd pass along the gossip at the rink!

Oh man that would suuucck. If he comes back by Feb 1st. That means he can get into 22 games. Which would put him at 28 games for the season + playoffs which Brandon is currently chasing without him.

Worst case scenario speculation on a rumour time! Patrick comes back in time to play final 22 games of the season but Brandon doesn't make WHL playoffs. Would a team with the 1OA pick take a chance on a kid who has only played 28 games? With his current pace he would be at 48 points in 28 games.

 

[sbtatter]

Let's say it's positive news and Patrick is back in two weeks. He will be so out of game shape and down on strength I think it's a real risk for him to play in the WJC. If it's worst case scenario and out till Feb, The stars are aligning for #19 to slip out of top spot (which, selfishly, is great news for Brandon fans because then a higher chance he returns next season when Bdn will be very strong)
I'm very interested to see the Swedish defenceman at WJC, if he plays well then we will see the first real talk of a challenge for Patrick at 1 OA

 

[ps241]

Oh man that would suuucck. If he comes back by Feb 1st. That means he can get into 22 games. Which would put him at 28 games for the season + playoffs which Brandon is currently chasing without him.

Worst case scenario speculation on a rumour time! Patrick comes back in time to play final 22 games of the season but Brandon doesn't make WHL playoffs. Would a team with the 1OA pick take a chance on a kid who has only played 28 games? With his current pace he would be at 48 points in 28 games.

If that is the case he may be entering the Morgan Rielly 18 games in his draft season zone. Patrik is still a 6'3" centre who had 102 points in his draft -1 season and was a PPG player in his draft -2 season so lots to love injuries or not. We have all been a tad spoiled the last two seasons.

 

[Daximus]

Let's say it's positive news and Patrick is back in two weeks. He will be so out of game shape and down on strength I think it's a real risk for him to play in the WJC. If it's worst case scenario and out till Feb, The stars are aligning for #19 to slip out of top spot (which, selfishly, is great news for Brandon fans because then a higher chance he returns next season when Bdn will be very strong)
I'm very interested to see the Swedish defenceman at WJC, if he plays well then we will see the first real talk of a challenge for Patrick at 1 OA

It's all very possible. haha oh man you just threw a wrench in everyone's draft scenario plans for this year if he indeed is out until Feb.

Not only that but Patrick falling in the draft could make one team ridiculously lucky and those that pass on him slap themselves silly for doing so.

 

[Daximus]

If that is the case he may be entering the Morgan Rielly 18 games in his draft season zone. Patrik is still a 6'3" centre who had 102 points in his draft -1 season and was a PPG player in his draft -2 season so lots to love injuries or not. We have all been a tad spoiled the last two seasons.

Things could get reaaaal interesting. Say Vegas gets 1OA. Do they take Patrick anyways? Can you risk losing out on a guy like him as an expansion team even if he is out for 61% of the season?