People shouldn't underestimate the potential for a lengthy break to revitalize older players: Teemu Selanne came back from scoring 32 points in 78 games in 03-04 to record 90 points in 05-06. Jaromir Jagr bounced back from two injury-filled seasons to score 123 points in 05-06. Kariya went from 36 points to 85 points, Shanahan went from 53 to 81 points, Nylander had the best two years of his career after the lockout, Modano went from 44 points to 77 points, Martin Straka came back to score 76 points.
Now, there was an inflation in overall scoring from pre to post- '04 lockout, but considering Iginla's passion for fitness, a lengthy vacation from the grind of an NHL schedule could be exactly the thing to revitalize him to 2006-2009 levels for at least two or three more years.
A four-year 7/6/5/4 contract would be a great hometown discount, and a 7/6/6/5 seems like an excellent way to spend the Flames' money.
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