Wade Allison became the third Flyer to make his NHL debut this season. The big man, 6’2 205 pound, from Myrtle, MB, CAN, Allison scored his first career NHL goal in just his second game. Allison is physical, good along the boards, and creates a net front presence that the Flyers could use in the future.
The young 23-year-old in Allison just wanted to show people that the Flyers did not make a mistake by drafting him, and that he is healthy. If a person has seen Allison play in prior years, then he or she would notice his gifted hands. He can shoot and pass on top of being a physical guy. Allison enjoyed a great season for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms by registering four goals, and five assists for a total of 9 points in eight games played. He has really enjoyed the pressure of his first year as a professional, after recovering from ankle surgery that kept him out through Flyers camp, and the first part of the AHL season.
With his injuries in the past behind him, Allison is more than experienced enough to handle the rigors of the NHL. He’s a power forward, and that is quite evident by what Alain Vigneault says about him, “He’s a Power Forward, he can shoot, and is physical.”
Allison played four years in the NCAA against men. This is one main reason people should not be surprised by his early success in the NHL. He’s not your average 18 or 19 year old making their NHL debut. Allison has had plenty of experience, and he’s a bit farther ahead in development than other prospects.
People have to remember that Allison is a man at the age of 23, he’s not a kid at the age of 18. “I have to go out and buy Hayesy a dinner because it doesn’t get much easier than that one,” Allison said following the game. He’s a strong skater for battling through ACL tears, and it compliments his knack for the net. Allison always appears to be in the right spots to pot a goal, hence scoring his first NHL Power Play goal.
This is a great day for the proud orange clad fans, as they will see the big man in Allison, a 2016 second round draft pick, donning a Flyers sweater for years to come (Hopefully). The Flyers could really use his net front presence, and the physicality he brings on a nightly basis. Again kudos to former General Manager Ron Hextall on finding yet another stud at the 2016 draft.
