Jason Allison

Lore & Background

Allison played junior hockey with the London Knights from 1991 to 1994, posting 142 points in 56 games during his best season and winning the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL's most outstanding player. He was drafted 17th overall by the Washington Capitals in 1993 and won gold medals with the men's junior national team in 1994 and 1995. After struggling to meet the Capitals' expectations, he was traded to the Boston Bruins in March 1997 as part of a major deal involving Adam Oates. With the Bruins, Allison emerged as a top scorer, leading the team in points three times and recording a career-high 95 points in 2000–01, when he also played in the NHL All-Star Game and served as team captain. Contract disputes led to a trade to the Los Angeles Kings in October 2001, where he signed a three-year, $20-million contract but suffered a series of injuries including knee, neck and concussion problems, missing most of two seasons. The 2004–05 season was lost to a labour dispute, and Allison became an unrestricted free agent. He signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs for 2005–06, scoring 17 goals and 60 points in 66 games before a hand injury ended his season. His final NHL game was against the Montreal Canadiens in March 2006, in which he was injured. Toronto did not re-sign him, and he sat out the 2006–07 season to be near his family.

Reader's Guide

Jason Allison's NHL career was marked by high offensive production, particularly during his tenure with the Boston Bruins, where he twice finished in the top ten in league scoring and was named team captain. His 2000–01 season, with 95 points, represented the peak of his performance and earned him an All-Star Game appearance. However, his career was significantly curtailed by injuries—including knee, neck and concussion issues—and the 2004–05 labour dispute, which together limited his effectiveness and availability after his trade to Los Angeles. His one season with the Toronto Maple Leafs showed he could still produce at a point-per-game pace, but a hand injury ended that campaign prematurely. A comeback attempt with the Maple Leafs in 2009, initiated by general manager Brian Burke, did not result in a contract; Allison was cut from training camp after head coach Ron Wilson stated he was 'out of the plans.' In retirement, Allison operated a horse farm north of Toronto and served as an executive producer on the film Arkansas. His legacy is that of a talented centre whose prime was interrupted by physical setbacks and league-wide labour strife, leaving his full potential unrealized at the NHL level.

Did You Know?

• He was traded from Washington to Boston in a 1997 deal that included Adam Oates.
• He attempted a comeback with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2009 but was cut from training camp.