What should have happened a couple of years ago finally took place tonight as the Calgary Flames traded longtime Captain Jarome Iginla. He is now 35, well past the prime that would have fetched him a more tidy sum on the market. This is no detriment to the classy power forward, one of the greatest players to ever wear the Red, Orange and Yellow. But it was time for the Flames organization on the whole to move on, a rebuild that should have already been well in the works. The signs emerged when the Flames scratched the forward from a game against the Colorado Avalanche at home, which tipped many off to a looming trade.
Iginla has been one of the best scorers in recent NHL history, something that began in the 2001-02 season. Many consider Iginla’s true rise to fame to be the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics as a member of Team Canada. Iginla scored a goal in the Gold Medal game en route a 5-2 victory over the United States. The former Flame also played a massive role in his second Gold Medal win, setting up the “Golden Goal” otherwise known as Sidney Crosby’s Overtime Winner. That goal also came against the United States.
The trade of course reunites Sidney Crosby and Jarome Iginla in Calgary. Pascal Dupuis has been highly successful at Right Wing on a line with Crosby and Chris Kunitz this season, and it remains to be seen if the Penguins would break up this line and move Iginla beside Crosby. There is also the possibility that Iginla could play RW beside a returning Evgeni Malkin, once he is healthy.
The main reason for Iginla wanting to move clubs, other then possibly Calgary forcing his hand as was highly likely, was his quest to win the Stanley Cup. He came the closest to that goal in 2005-06 when Calgary lost the cup final in seven games to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ever since the Flames have come nowhere close to that mark. Iginla declared his interest and released four teams that he would waive his no trade clause to join. All of them are elite NHL clubs: Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Boston and Chicago and will provide him a legitimate opportunity to win the Cup.
Iginla has played all 1219 games of his NHL career with the Calgary Flames. During that time he has registered 525 goals and 570 assists for 1095. He has won 6 NHL individual awards including two Rocket Richard Trophies and one Art Ross. Included in this package is Iginla’s incredible determination, it is well documented that he is one of the more competitive players in the NHL. Furthermore Iginla brings plenty of leadership to a dressing room as indicated by the C his wore on his chest during his time with Calgary. There is also the grit factor, the feisty Iginla is not afraid to drove the gloves if it is needed.
This season Iginla has 9 goals and 13 assists for 22 points in 31 contests, putting him third in Flames scoring. He becomes a UFA after this season with a current cap hit of 7 million dollars US so he is most likely a playoff rental at this time. But a highly skilled rental at that who provides a consistent scoring threat.
In return the Flames receive prospects Ben Hanowski, Kenneth Agostino, and Pittsburgh’s 2013 first round pick.
Hanowski was the Penguins’ 3rd round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft. The Winger just finished his senior season for St. Cloud State where he had 16 goals and 29 points in 34 games.
Agostino ws the Penguins 5th round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. The Winger just finished his junior season for Yale, where he scored 15 goals and 37 points in 33 games.
LWOS’ Ben Kerr said of the two prospects, “This is a very underwhelming return for the Flames, as neither Hanowski or Agostino would be considered top prospects for the Penguins. Given the rumored package (Khoklachev, Barkowski, and a 1st) from the Boston Bruins last night, I actually thought that was better.”
“In Hanowski, the numbers at St. Cloud State are a bit underwhelming. He does have a very good wrist shot and release, but I’m worried that his skating will hold him back from making a big impact at the NHL level. He needs to work on his acceleration, quickness and agility. He also needs some work in his own end of the rink. Potentially a top 6 forward, but this is a project.”
“Agostino has some nice numbers at Yale, but lets remember he is playing in the ECAC, quite clearly the fourth best conference in the NCAA, and an easier level of competition. He is a hard worker, and a good skater, but I have to question the amount of skill there. He plays a straight forward up and down game, and is good on the boards and in his own end. I believe he tops out as a third line forward.”
“To be honest, I think that Joe Nieuwendyk got a better package for Brenden Morrow than Jay Feaster got for Jarome Iginla. This is a little ridiculous, and I think Calgary really needs to re-evaluate their management after this deal and the whole Ryan O’Reilly thing.”
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