[nik-]

Look, the only side that is being "cowardly" here is management. They're the ones that are supposed to be taking stock of the situation and making decisions to move the team in a positive direction. They're the ones who have publicly on multiple occasions stated that the only way Iginla leaves is if he asks. They've placed the onus on Iginla for this whole decision in some pre-emptive groundwork to be able to deflect if a trade ever happens. "See, we didn't want to trade him he wanted to leave"

So now, Iginla who is aware of his legacy has the feeling that this will go over incredibly poorly. In reality, I think most people would understand if he asked out. I personally would totally accept if he just walked as a UFA this summer. I wouldn't be happy, but it would completely make sense. He's put in more than his fair share on this team. We're going nowhere, he's running out of time. It's ridiculous this position we're in.