Josef Vasicek vs Jason Allison

New York Islander Fan Central | 8/13/2007 05:52:00 AM | | | |
The other day I did a commentary on Forsberg signing with the Islanders based on his agents comment he's looking for one more big payday.

The rumor mill is bringing the names of Josef Vasicek and Jason Allison as the two players Garth Snow is targeting and could sign as early as today. I don't know too much about Vasicek beyond the numbers. Allison I do know a lot more about, hopefully folks will comment on both either here or on the message so I can learn a little more about both players.

Vasicek profile in the hockey forecaster.

C/LW
Josef Vasicek
Age: 26
Date of birth: Friday, September 12, 1980
Place of Birth: Havlickuv Brod, Czech. (now Czech Republic)
Country: CZE
HT: 6-5 WT: 214
Shoots/Catches: L
Salary:
NHL Seasons: 6
Drafted by Carolina in 1998 (4/91).

ASSETS: Has great size and athleticism. Is tough, intelligent and displays a strong work ethic. Plays a sound two-way game.
FLAWS: Needs to maximize his size and strength in the corners. Must continue to work on his coordination.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Third line forward.

Allison
profile in the hockey forecaster.

C
Jason Allison
Age: 32
Date of birth: Thursday, May 29, 1975
Place of Birth: North York, Ont., Canada
Country: CAN
HT: 6-3 WT: 215
Shoots/Catches: R
NHL Seasons: 11
Drafted by Washington in 1993 (1/17).

ASSETS: Has tremendous offensive instincts. Is at his best when setting up his wingers. Owns good face-off skills, and plays with an abundance of patience.
FLAWS: Has always been a below-average skater. Could stand to shoot more and play a little more selfishly. May never be the player he was pre-migraine issues.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Second line center.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Not a great choice either way but I'm looking at this as Vasicek or Allison because that's where the club could be right now. It may not turn out this way but I'm going by the rumor mill.

Vasicek:
For a team looking at proven scoring Vasicek's best years were with his first stint in Carolina, he was traded back there last season and still did not produce even though he was injured. His career numbers do not point to any sign of a breakout season even though he has some potential to do so. I see his signing more about Bates time ending here and cannot see him on the club's top two lines. How many players who have not had produced consistently can we count on between Fedotenko, Sim, Park, Hilbert, Bates and the prospects to step up. Is Bates even able to play after his chronic groin problems because he never made it back despite rumors he was close to returning playoff time?

Logic says most of these players will post their career avg numbers and that leaves the Islanders very short in the scoring dept, even if Comrie, Guerin, Satan produce.

Allison:
We all know he missed an entire season and was a very slow player before that and he's not kid. He has to prove to Snow-Nolan that he's ready to play, produce and stay healthy and be at least a second line center. It's asking a lot but he has done that and more in the past and has the talent to improve the club if all things fall into place. He's also very good on the pp which this team has been in the middle or lower of the pack with for a long time.

Were not talking done like dinner players like Lindros, Roenick or Mogilny and no doubt Allison's going to want to get paid based on his past productions.

Conclusion: I'm going to take the easy way out and ask why not sign both? If Vasicek produces that only helps more and if Allison does not produce he can play on a lower line. You can bet Guerin, Comrie, Sillinger and Satan want another veteran.