Toe to Toe - Allison's Impact

Toe to Toe - Allison's Impact

Two combatants from Cogeco’s Sports Firing line Frank “The Toe” Caruso (left), and Chris Dawson (right) now take their arguments to the web with a new BayToday.ca weekly sports opinion feature called, “Toe to Toe.” Photo by Lee Anne Dawson.

The Leafs signed two injury prone snipers this summer in Jason Allison and Eric Lindros.

Jason Allison has been plagued by concussions and post-traumatic migraines since October of 2003 and already is experiencing problems with a hip flexor that have already kept him out of the Leafs lineup during training camp. Can Allison overcome his injury prone label and resurrect his career in Hog town?

Chris:

”I’ll be honest, I really like the idea of Eric Lindros signing with the Leafs. It’s a perfect fit in my opinion. However, I’m not as keen on the signing of Jason Allison because I feel he has a long, long way to go to get back to where he was before his head injury.

“I know he’s suffering from a nagging hip flexor injury, but this guy is honestly slower than erosion and in this new NHL without obstruction Allison will struggle enormously to keep up.

“He does have some great offensive talents but with that ‘longer than lockout’ break from the game, I believe he’s not even going to be back in full game shape until Christmas time.

“I guess the price is right but even when you are offering a minimal salary, you still want some return and I don’t know if the Leafs will be getting their monies worth for a guy who’s likely to play less than half a season.”

Frank:

“First of all Chris, you’re not looking at the whole picture. Number one is Jason Allison is going to be a number three center in Toronto, maybe even a number four in some circumstances depending on who he plays with. Mats Sundin is still the main guy there and Eric Lindros is going to be there second line center, and he may play wing as well with Allison.

“But I’m telling you right now that was a good gamble and this is the reason. Jason Allison is one of those guys that are very very skilled. One of the best passers I’ve ever seen dawn a Bruin uniform. But for him to go to Toronto, I think they made a good move there, I think it’s a good gamble because I think with the new NHL bigger guys that can handle the puck so well are going to be the most beneficial in this type of league. Bottom line, I think this is going to pan out for the Leafs, but am I telling you that Allison will score 100 points this season, no. Jason Allison could get you 60 points and be a great third line center.”

Toe to Toe can be seen every Friday on BayToday.ca

Toe to Toe - Allison's Impact

This has been shared 0 times

More Sports

Featured Flyer