In the 1992-93 season, Cape Breton, led by Van Allen, captured the Calder Cup title as American Hockey League Champions.
In July 1993 Van Allen signed as a free agent with the expansion Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and became an NHL regular until his retirement in 2005.
On October 1, 1996, Van Allen was acquired by Ottawa Senators along with defenceman Jason York, and began perhaps his most successful period in the NHL.
He spent four productive seasons in Ottawa before unrestricted free agency led him to the Dallas Stars, with whom he signed a two-year contract in July 2000.
[2] He can be heard on TSN 1200 radio broadcasts of Ottawa Senators games, to which he contributes commentary during pre and post-game shows.