Good News: Flyers celebrates return of 6′2″, 205 lb former player back to the Club
The Philadelphia Flyers traded Wade Allison to the Nashville Predators for Denis Gurianov during the NHL trade deadline on March 8. While the transfer provided both players with new opportunities, neither winger took full use of them, and both are anticipated to hunt for new homes in 2024.
Flyers general manager Danny Briere has already stated that the club would not keep Gurianov, but if they haven’t completely moved on from Allison, a reunion may make sense for both sides.
Allison, 26 years old, spent three seasons with the Flyers but did not make the NHL team this year. Allison’s health was a major concern, particularly in 2022-23. Allison played in a career-high 60 games last season, but was sidelined by injuries three times and finished with only nine goals and 15 points.
The 6-foot-2 former second-round pick adds height and quickness to a team’s bottom six, and Allison enjoys shooting the puck. In reality, the underlying data suggest that, while Allison struggled defensively last season and didn’t produce much with his passing, he was an important offensive play-driver both off the rush and in the zone, and he was usually the linemate who received the most of the scoring chances when on the ice.
Perhaps more efficient shooting might have improved Allison’s results even more.
Regarding the Flyers as they currently stand, Garnet Hathaway will turn 33 early in November and enter the final year of the two-year deal he agreed to with the team last summer. Even though Hathaway is essentially the guy who took Allison’s job on the team, come March, postseason competitors will greatly value his services because he is not getting any younger.
Giving the seasoned forward a second chance at the Stanley Cup would be one way for the Flyers to say “thank you” for his contributions to creating a winning culture in Philadelphia.
Allison would then have another chance at an NHL job with the Flyers, a team whose core players he has already played with for numerous seasons. Allison’s agency reportedly offered him to KHL clubs Dinamo Minsk and Avangard Omsk, but these reports are just that.
The 26-year-old will become a restricted free agent on July 1, but it is uncertain whether the Predators would tender him a qualifying offer.
