Nolan Allan became a huge fan favorite in his time with the Raiders. (Submitted Photo/Mark Peterson Media)

By Rob Mahon

Allan on Trade

Longtime Raider Allan reflects on bittersweet trade to Seattle

Nov 17, 2022 | 1:00 PM

Over parts of five seasons, Nolan Allan played 162 games for the Prince Albert Raiders, scored his first WHL goal, played his way onto NHL radars, and ultimately got drafted in the first round by the Chicago Blackhawks. Now, however, the last chapter of his junior hockey career will be written 1,800 kilometres away.

On Wednesday, the Raiders traded Allan to the Seattle Thunderbirds for a gigantic package featuring nine assets (three players and six draft picks). Today, Allan is on the road to Seattle, a journey of about 18 hours, to continue his storied WHL career.

“There was obviously a little bit of shock,” said Allan. “You never know. When someone gets traded, you’re kind of shocked at first. It’s kind of a weird feeling, I’ve never been traded before so this is a new experience.”

What made the move a little easier to swallow for Allan was the fact that Seattle is a contending team clearly intent on a deep playoff run and that they were, judging by the steep price they paid to acquire him, very keen to bring him on board.

“Looking at the team and hearing about them, it’s a little bit easier going there knowing that we’re going to be able to make a run there, and they’ve got a pretty deep roster,” Allan said. “It should be fun to get in and play with them.”

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While every hockey player wants to go on a deep playoff run and compete for a championship, there was still some sadness for Allan in leaving the only junior hockey home he had ever known. From 2019 to now, he had built countless memories and relationships with people on and off the ice in Hockey Town North.

“It’s always going to be tough, leaving Prince Albert after playing there for four years, basically my whole junior career,” said Allan. “Definitely a bit of bittersweetness. It’s sad leaving the billets and the family, the coaching staff, and all the other people in the organization.”

Allan’s time with the Raiders spanned some of the oddest moments in WHL history, as he was with the team during the hub season in Regina and the two seasons on either side of it that had COVID looming over them. Those strange circumstances led to close bonds with the teammates he shared them with.

“Especially (Evan) Herman and (Landon) Kosior, they’ve been with me since I was 16,” Allan said. “Definitely a little bit weird leaving those guys and the other guys I’ve built relationships with over the last two or three years. It’s tough leaving a group like that.”

During his time in Prince Albert, Allan became a fan-favorite with his hard-hitting style and leadership by example. His offensive game began to blossom as well, as he became a fixture on the team’s power play over the past two seasons.

Whatever happens in Seattle, there’s a good chance it’s the last act of Allan’s junior career as he’s eligible for the AHL or NHL next season and seems well on the road to a long professional career. Reflecting on how far he’s come as a player, the Davidson native was quick to give credit to his coaches.

“Learning how to play kind of pro-style game was a big thing that was taught to me by (Jeff Truitt and Marc Habscheid) and all the coaches in Prince Albert,” Allan said. “I think they do a great job at developing their players, I think they’re one of the tops in the league for player development and getting guys to the next level.”

Allan’s new squad is scheduled to appear at the Art Hauser Centre on Friday, January 13.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP