There are some perfectly non-nonstalgic reasons to bring Iginla back, but several things would have to happen simultaneously for such a move to make sense to the Flames in two years. But it's still possible.
1.) Iginla's Production
As Iggy grows older, his production will start falling off. For the time being however, he's proven himself to be a reliable top-line winger who can put up 60 pts. He led the Avs in scoring this season and was 3rd on the Bruins the year before. So if he can still put up the numbers, there's no denying that he can still fit nicely into a top 6 scoring role.
Jagr is a great example of what I think Jarome could be like. Older, aging winger but can still produce 50-60 pts reliably even at a creaky golden age of 43. Iggy is already deep into the age bracket where you will fall behind if you don't work hard to keep up. Will Iginla age quite as well as Jagr? Probably not, but if he can still score 60 pts right now, it's not that much of a reach to predict a 50ish pt season for Iggy two years from now. Especially if he continues to
train like an animal in the offseason.
2.) Calgary's lack of RW Depth
Not exactly news that we're pretty dry of natural RWs. So two years from now I doubt that we'll have our prospects on RW able to outperform Iginla's offense. A 50pt season makes him a better option than practically everyone but Hudler, as Jones will be gone by then and our RW prospects won't be ready for a top 6 role. And I doubt that someone like Shore or Colborne will be able to match those numbers in 2 years.
So if we don't have prospects magically becoming NHL scorers instantly or land a big fish in free agency, Iginla's still the better option.
If Hudler is able to have another season like 2014-15 then he will want dollars and term that the Flames aren't willing to give him. So I imagine he'd walk instead of being traded, because I don't think we'll be out of the hunt by the deadline and want to keep him for a run.
If he does leave then that's a massive gaping chasm in RW depth. Jones already gone, RW prospects not ready, huge chunk of scoring gone.
3.) Term and Salary
Treliving has said repeatedly that he thinks long term and will not carelessly hand out term and salary, because it will throw you into cap hell. That in conjunction with Hudler's next contract demands will probably mean he's gone.
Treliving will want to replace Hudler's production as best as he can but he isn't willing to commit term. That leaves Iginla's contract as one that could work well for the Flames. 5.3m AAV is reasonable dollars for a top 6 forward and only for a season, as he will have just 1 year left on his contract when Hudler's is up.
So if things don't work out and Iggy doesn't make a triumphant return to the Dome, they can still cut him loose after the year is done. Low risk high reward move.
4.) We can land him
This part is easier said than done, and is probably the biggest obstacle.
If we trade for him, we'd have to outbid the other teams. If we do it at the deadline, there's little chance our package would be better than those from other teams. So I'd have to hope Sakic shats himself in a trade, or does it on purpose to send an old friend home.
It's not out of the question that he just stays in COL for the duration of the contract. 2017-18 the Flames will shed some dead weight salary, probably still in need of RW depth, and looking to bring a cup home. Iggy wouldn't be looking for term - just for reasonable dollars - and that's something Treliving can easily give for that year, even after Sam Bennett gets a massive raise.
