On the Colorado Avalanche and Jarome Iginla …
Chris Nichols: Darren Dreger on Jarome Iginla finishing the season with the Avalanche: “I would say it’s unlikely” … “For him, that’s got to be almost like a ‘get out of jail free’ card.”
Eric Duhatschek of The Globe and Mail: It’s sounding like Jarome Iginla will be interested in moving to a contender before the trade deadline.
A trade to the Edmonton Oilers seems like a logical destination. It’s his hometown and they could use his leadership. Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli was the Bruins GM when they brought him in, in 2013. Iginla played on a line with Milan Lucic.
The Chicago Blackhawks are always interested in adding a veteran at the deadline.
The Los Angeles Kings could be another option. Iginla played under coach Darryl Sutter when the Flames got the Final in 2004.
The Calgary Flames shouldn’t be ruled out either as Johnny Gaudreau could use some extra room on the ice.
“The deadline is still a couple of months off, so lots of things can change, but that’s part of the game and part of sports, and it’s also good for an organization, teams at the deadline, whether they’re in or out, to try to get assets back,” said Iginla. “I know how that works.”
Iginla on having a shot at the Stanley Cup.
“Absolutely, it’s still the dream,” he said, “and I think it’s still possible. We’ll see what happens. I would love it. I would really appreciate it. I realize, over all the years, how many good things have to come together and how fortunate the people that win it are. I’d love to do that, and I still think it’s possible.”
Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun: Flames assistant GM and friend of Jarome Iginla.
“There are a lot of players, a lot of great players, that haven’t been able to win a Cup,” said Flames assistant general manager Craig Conroy, Iginla’s former linemate and still a close friend and big fan. “But I know, in his mind, he would love to have an opportunity to do that. I mean, that’s why we play. And especially when you play that long, that’s really what you’re playing for.
“He could get more points and play more games and all that, but in reality, as you get older and you see it coming to the end and you haven’t won a Stanley Cup, that’s all it’s about.
“Every year, you’re thinking, ‘Hey, I have one more chance.’ ”
