Wade Allison became a welcomed addition to the Philadelphia Flyers rather quickly. He made an impression since being selected 52nd overall at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
Allison, a gritty forward who consistently produced in the USHL and NCAA, embodies the old ‘Broad Street Bullies’ swagger. He doesn’t shy away from the physicality, chirping, and overall chaos to contribute to a team win, no matter the opponent or what the scoreboard says.
The road to the NHL wasn’t smooth. Into his development as a part of the Flyers system, Allison tore his ACL during his sophomore season at Western Michigan. Following ankle surgery after signing his entry-level contract in 2020, then suffering a high ankle sprain going into the 2021-2022 season, his first legitimate shot in the NHL was a long time coming.
Last season, Allison got his first taste of full-time action in the NHL, playing 60 games. He totaled 15 points (9G, 6A), 36PIM, and a -3.
Out of the 2022 Flyers Training Camp, Allison made the roster. He didn’t dominate, nor was he game-changing in his first NHL stint, but Allison did provide stable depth in a bottom-six role for an offense that lacked high-end talent. He showed that he has a lot more to give next season.
On special teams, Allison didn’t receive much time. Most of his situational hockey took place at even strength. He averaged 12:54 on the ice throughout his 2022-2023 campaign. Allison showed that he is an efficient depth winger in the NHL, attacking with an aggressive speed, with or without the puck. He is a power forward with a nose for the crease who thrives at battling in the dirty areas.
In a display of his physical nature, Allison made 190 hits last season, second on the Flyers, trailing Nicolas Deslauriers. Most NHL rosters want an aggressive bottom-six, and Allison is talented enough to compete for an NHL roster spot. Again, Allison will compete for his role in the Flyers lineup.
His main accomplice on most of his scoring plays in 2022-2023 was Kevin Hayes, who was traded to the St. Louis Blues for a sixth-round pick at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. He didn’t spend much time with Owen Tippett or Travis Konecny but does maintain some rapport with Deslauriers and Scott Laughton.
Tough Evaluation
Allison returned from injury last season three times. In March, John Tortorella didn’t hold back in his assessment:
“He’s always hurt. [He] has improved tremendously. When he plays the game, when he knows who he is as a player, he’s improved. Playing straight ahead [and] has done a lot of good things on the wall; his game’s improved. Always hurt.”
John Tortorella; 3/16/2023
As he gained momentum, injuries returned, making it hard for Tortorella to rely on Allison. “It’s hard to be consistent when you’re always hurt,” Tortorella added.
2023-2024
Back in April, during break-up interviews, Allison mentioned that he’s doing his best to stay healthy, but he doesn’t have control over injuries.
“It’s whatever. That’s fine. I mean, I’m doing my best to be healthy, I can’t control injuries,”
Wade Allison; 4/14/2023
Philadelphia is heavy at RW on the current roster and within the system, putting pressure on Allison in 2023-2024. Tyson Foerster will be among the prospects fighting for more minutes and a featured role, Garnet Hathaway presents credible competition, and Cam Atkinson will make his return.
Projected to make the roster, Allison needs to clean up turnovers. He possesses unique qualities, such as his aggressive skating to crash the net. More importantly, whether or not he can stay healthy will play a critical role in proving his place in Philadelphia.
At the end of next season, Allison becomes a restricted free agent. The Flyers are adding flexible, younger prospects into the mix who are flexible throughout the lineup, such as the reintroduction of Bobby Brink, the introduction of Alexis Gendron, and a potential glimpse at Cutter Gauthier. Allison needs a healthy leap forward in 2023-2024.
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