Observations:

April 2013 – York is a large framed, lanky, professional goalie that is already on the cusp of the NHL despite limited experience in three seasons as a pro. He was a high risk prospect when drafted that struggled in early NCAA play for a lower class school. It wasn’t until his final season that he broke out and Columbus came knocking for him to sign on. For the past several years, the Blue Jackets have been trying everything to find solutions in net – European signings, AHL vets, and pushing prospects in early. Currently, they seemed to have found one answer to the puzzle in Sergei Bobrovsky. The next step will be organizing their talented core of prospects and figure out which ones have NHL futures. York is currently a step ahead of the curve and seems to be perfect for their needs. York’s main downfall is lack of AHL games, due to unfortunate injuries that hold him back. He needs a solid healthy season of 40+ starts to show how durable and stable he can be. Last season he received an emergency NHL recall and appeared in 11 games posting a .920 SV%, this season in limited starts in the ECHL and AHL he has posted .919 and .908 numbers respectively. With many observers watching Oscar Dansk and Joonas Korpisalo, keep an eye on York who may have a lower ceiling, but be a better fit.

Fantasy Outlook: C-

Without seeing extensive amounts of starts in pro yet, his career potential is difficult to assess. Currently, he looks like he can step in as a reliable backup with good upside. Expected to arrive in 2014-15 if next season goes well.

Footage:

Getting to know Allen York. (Not knowing how to swim is a loss of a skill set that may hurt him in the crease)

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Fantasy Prospects Report Notes (Any FPR’s released in the last 18 months will not be listed here):

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Allen York statistics courtesy of Elite Prospects