Nolan is a prototypical power forward, and as such has struggled with injuries throughout his career.

He was drafted First Overall by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, and played with them until 9 games into the 1995-1996 season, when he was traded to the San Jose Sharks for defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh. During his tenure with the Sharks he was named captain, and registered his best career year in 1999-00, finishing with 84 points, and tied for second in the NHL with 44 goals. Nolan was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs just before the NHL trade deadline in 2003, for players Alyn McCauley and Brad Boyes, and Toronto's 1st round pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. However his performance in Toronto was disappointing, he suffered from a series of injuries and never played at the same level as he had in San Jose.

Nolan has been chosen as an NHL all-star in 1991-92, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1999-00, 2001-02. In the 1997 All Star game, he performed a 'Called Shot', pointing to the top corner of the net during a breakaway and promptly scoring there against Dominik Hasek, to complete his hat trick.

Nolan broke new ground in contract negotiations, having a clause put in that stated if the 2004-05 NHL season was cancelled, then he would gain a player option for an additional year in 2005-2006. However, with the NHL CBA in place, this option has become a topic of debate. With the new NHL salary cap, the Maple Leafs deemed Nolan's salary too high, and refuse to recognize Nolan as under contract. Nolan argues that the option is valid, that he will play, and be paid, for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he deserves to be paid during the lockout due to injury. The Maple Leafs who cleared Nolan as healthy just after the lockout, claim that the injury was incurred off the ice and are refusing to pay Nolan's desired $12 million. The case is to go to an arbitrator.

Nolan and his wife Diana have one daughter, Jordan.