To rebuild or not to rebuild, that’s the big question floating around the Calgary Flames right now. Currently sitting at 13th in the Western Conference with another bad start, and the team missing the playoffs the past two years, this version of the Flames doesn't look like it’s playoff bound. The line-up that GM Jay Feaster is putting out there is old and just not good enough to compete in the tough Western Conference. Do they really think they can beat Chicago or San Jose in a 7 games series? Or that Matt Stajan can shut down Henrik Zetterberg? The answer is flat out NO.
Much of the debate of whether to rebuild or not (to which the clear answer is YES) is centered on right winger Jarome Iginla. At 34-years-old the veteran of 15 NHL seasons has seen his game steadily decline in the past couple of years as to be expected for a player past his prime. I'm not saying that Iginla is not a productive player, scoring 43 goals and 86 points last season he can still put the puck in the net. Iginla has won 2 Olympic gold medals, a world championship, a world junior championship, the Maurice Richard trophy twice, and an Art Ross trophy. The only major trophy eluding the Flames captain is the Stanley Cup where he and the Flames came so close, losing out to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 7 games back in 2004.
Iginla is struggling to find his game with only 11 points and -8 in 22 games this season, but a move to a team that is in playoff contention could spark the 6'1'' 210lbs sniper. He is making $7 million for the next two seasons, it's a high number but for what he brings to a team on and off the ice, the reward heavily outweighs the risk. A team that could potentially vie for Iginla's services is the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Canes currently have $14.2 million to play around with desperately needing an offensive boost and more importantly helping Eric Staal who is having a miserable season so far. The Hurricanes are only 5 points out of a playoff spot right now and in the tight Eastern Conference, they could be in the top 8 by next week. Another team that would benefit greatly from the addition of Iginla would be the St. Louis Blues. At 5th in the West and with $8.7 million to spend, Iggy would fit nicely in the Blues top 6, adding veteran leadership to a group of young talented players who I think are ready to take the next step. The Flames have a good prospect pool to choose from filled with high draft picks such as Vladimir Tarasenko, Jaden Schwartz, and Jake Allen. Whatever the Flames get for Iginla, it will likely be a package of high picks and/or blue-chip prospects. Calgary may not want to trade Iggy, but Iggy might want a trade out of Calgary to get that elusive ring.
I would hope that Iginla would want to do the 'proper'thing and try to help his team by allowing a trade to happen. I would hate to have Iginla tagged with the same unpleasant after taste that Sundin left in Toronto.
ReplyDeleteSundin's actions were selfish and unbecoming of a 'true' captain. His lack of a 'team first' approach is still very much remembered.
I feel that Iginla will do the right thing and help the team. As well Feaster is smart enough to that this type of a deal will need to be approached with tact and patience. For Calgary - rebuid is the way to go. Get draft picks. If you have any doubt look at Edmonton and the team they've built.