BY NATE MOSER
It feels like only yesterday that Calgary Flames legendary winger Jarome Iginla was playing in the NHL. He accomplished so much while with the Flames; while also suiting up for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, and Los Angeles Kings as well. During his 1,554 games in the league, he accrued 625 goals and 675 assists for 1,300 points. His number 12 was retired with the Flames during the 2018-19 season and he leads the organization currently in goals with 525 and overall points with 1,095. His 570 assists with Calgary is also second only to defenseman Al MacInnis. Having Iginla was an awesome time for the Flames and their fans. Now, there is a possibility for them to get another Iginla.
Jarome’s son Tij Iginla is one of the top forwards who will be in the upcoming 2024 NHL Entry Draft later this month. He has been chosen in a few different spots during mock drafts, but one of the obvious choices of where he could go is with the ninth pick, currently held by the Flames. It would be quite the story if Calgary is able to draft Tij. There have been similar full circle moments with other NHL teams, such as Shane Doan’s son Josh being drafted by the Arizona Coyotes.
Make no mistake about it though: just because Tij has the same last name as his father, does not mean that that would be the only reason to draft him. Whether he goes to the Flames or another NHL club, he will be bringing his own skill set aboard to make a difference and make a name for himself separate from his father.
Iginla’s Time in the WHL
Like his father, Tij went to the Western Hockey League (WHL). However, unlike his father, Tij played for the Seattle Thunderbirds and Kelowna Rockets instead of the Kamloops Blazers. His first WHL season was in 2021-22 with Seattle. He only played in three games and had one assist in that span. 2022-23 was the first full season for Iginla in the WHL. In 48 games with the Thunderbirds, he had six goals and 12 assists for 18 points. He was then traded in the offseason by the Thunderbirds to the Rockets.
His real breakout season was not until this past one in 2023-24. The change of scenery played a role along with further development by Tij. In 64 games with Kelowna, Iginla tallied 47 goals and 37 assists for 84 points. That was good enough to be ranked second on the team in points. Only winger Andrew Cristall had more with 111 points (40 goals and 71 assists). Additionally, Iginla tallied nine goals and six assists for 15 points in 11 playoff games.
Iginla’s Strengths
When breaking down Iginla’s game, there are a few strengths that will be noticed. First off, he can play both center and wing if needed. He will be drafted as a center, but being able to also manage the ice on the wing is beneficial to NHL teams. There is a flexibility about where a team can put him on the ice. Not every player is able to be good at handling responsibilities as a center and capable of doing winger responsibilities too. The players who do that are more coveted as coaches can just throw out talented players and it does not matter as much where they line up or go.
Another positive to Iginla’s play is his decision-making skills. Some of the best to play in the NHL are able to make fast decisions on the ice. Hockey is a quick sport and every decision matters, especially in close games. One wrong move and the opposing team could capitalize. Some may not think decision-making is a big quality, but it means a lot to a team to have players who make solid decisions. Iginla is one of the 2024 Draft choices who is able to make smart decisions that benefit his team. This quality will help him go a long way if he is able to transition to the NHL pace.
Lastly, I want to talk about Iginla’s shot. As great as it is to get chances in games, the shot quality makes a difference in completing a play too. Having a great shot means a better chance at being a consistent goal scorer in the league. Iginla has proven how dangerous his shot can be, and that will be one of the assets he brings to the table with his offense. It was why he was able to explode in point production this past campaign. Having the right shot helps finish off plays and the better the shot, the better the finish to a play. It is a big separator between players who constantly contribute in the NHL and those who are not as successful individually.
Iginla brings more elements to his game that are crucial; but having versatility, fast decision-making skills, and a lethal shot are core values that can mold any prospect into an eventual NHL star. If Tij can get these skills transitioned over to the NHL, he is going to be a handful to stop for the opposing NHL clubs.
The Iginla Name Carries On
Jarome made the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020. He will always be remembered as one of the best Flames of all time. While the Iginla name will continue with Tij, the important thing is him writing his own story. The best example is the Tkachuk family. Keith had a storied career, and now two sons are making him proud with their own accomplishments. Matthew Tkachuk is one of the faces of the Florida Panthers while Brady Tkachuk is the captain of the Ottawa Senators. Matthew and Brady are not just Keith’s kids; they became stars in their own way. Tij has the tools to do the same thing. He is not just a 2024 Draft pick because of his dad. The hockey world better not underestimate him, because if they do, he is going to provide a rude awakening once he becomes an NHL talent. Later this month, the league will know who will have rights to his future.
The Sports Insanity Network 