Lynn Patrick was the son of Hall of Famer Lester Patrick and grew up on Canada's West Coast while his father operated the Pacific Coast Hockey Association with Lynn's uncle, Frank Patrick. Patrick moved to Montreal in 1933. He played with the Montreal Royals that season and was signed, rather reluctantly, by his father to a contract with the New York Rangers for the 1934-35 season. There were many charges of nepotism and Lynn had to endure more than his share of ridicule from the Rangers' fans and press. But, he persevered and was selected as the National Hockey League's First Team All-Star left wing in 1942 and was a Second Team selection in 1943. He was a member of the Rangers' 1940 Stanley Cup winning team and led the league with 32 goals two years later in 1941-42.