With the Calgary Flames having a busy off-season, there’s still one name available on the free agency market that may be a fan-favourite.
The Calgary Flames have been busy this off-season adding some talented players to the roster. They could be set to make a deep run in the playoffs but would bringing back Jarome Iginla be a good or bad option for Calgary?
Brad Treliving should definitely consider bringing him back at least on a one year deal. Obviously he is not the player he used to be before he was traded to Pittsburgh in the 2012-2013 season but he can contribute in different ways.
Where would he play in the Calgary Flames lineup?
Calgary Flames
He would most likely be a bottom six forward because he would be too slow to play with Sean Monahan or Johnny Gaudreau and you definitely don’t want to break up the 3M line (Frolik, Backlund, Tkachuk). I could see him taking Alex Chiasson‘s place but it all depends on if Spencer Foo makes the lineup. If Curtis Lazar plays on the third or fourth line then there is only one RW spot left. Iginla could beat out Chiasson but would Glen Gulutzan rather play a young, new forward in Spencer Foo or the Veteran Jarome Iginla. You can’t go wrong with either option.
Turn back the clock?
Having Iginla back on the Flames would jumpstart the team, he would be a fan favourite and it would give a boost to his career after a forgettable 2016-2017 season. He would love to play in a city where he is loved by all the fans and respected by all the players. It could potentially help out his career. Now, I’m not saying he will put up 30 goals but I could see him contributing 15 – 20 goals if he plays all 82 games.
Leadership
Having a leader like Jarome back in the locker room would be a fantastic situation for the young players like Foo, Lazar, Monahan, Gaudreau, and Sam Bennett. He brings wisdom about how to play in Calgary especially under pressure in the playoffs. That is something that Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan could use as they are the emerging leaders of the Flames.
Iggy is an unselfish player and is all about the team. He could potentially be the guy to protect our smaller players like Johnny hockey. Lets not forget, Iginla had one of the best fights of all time against Vincent Lecavalier and is still one of the toughest guys in the NHL. Lets just hope that there wouldn’t be any bad blood after Iginla and Giordano had a bit of a scuffle earlier last season.
Next: Monday Roundtable - Free Agency
Statistically speaking, moving Iginla back to Calgary doesn’t make a lot of sense but to most Flames fans we would love to have our former captain back in the Dome. Lets help Iggy make one more cup run in a Flames sweater and send him off into the sunset.