Ducks Sign Defenseman Bryan Allen
By Sean
The Ducks continued to add to their blue line on the first day of free agency when they signed big defenseman Bryan Allen from the Carolina Hurricanes. They agreed to a three-year deal that will last through the 2014-2015 season.
Allen is 31 years-old and is now joining his fourth different team. He was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks back in 1998, fourth overall. He has also spent time with the Florida Panthers. This is actually the first time he has joined a team NOT via trade. He was traded from Vancouver to Florida in the Roberto Luongo deal, back in 2006. Then, he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for Sergei Samsonov in 2011. Overall in his career, Bryan Allen has appeared in 601 NHL career games totaling 29 goals, 83 assists, 118 points, 724 PIM and a +7 rating.
He is another big guy on the blue line, listed at 6’5″-226 lbs. Allen’s not an offensive defenseman, he is a shut down defenseman all the way who will block a lot of shots, finishing fourth in the league in blocked shots. He uses his size to have his way with forwards in his own zone. He will knock guys around quite a bit as he has become a pretty solid physical defenseman. Also, he has better mobility than some might think for a guy of his size. He also has a representation of being a good guy to have around in the locker room. However, like I said, you can’t count on him for too much offense. I really like this signing. I have liked Allen going back to his days with the Panthers. I think he may be the best signing so far by the Ducks.
Allen, on signing with the Ducks:
"“I’m excited. It’s definitely something new. We’ve been in the east since just after the lockout. Every time you go somewhere on the road, you always wonder, Is this a place I could someday play? And now I’m in Anaheim and I’m thrilled.”"
Allen, on his game:
"“I’m more or less a stay-at-home defenseman. I’m also someone who plays with a bit of an edge. I’m not necessarily fighting all the time, but I’m a team player who stands up for my teammates and plays with an aggressive style.”"
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