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Originally Posted by ma-skis.com
just curious, since you have a formal marketing POV, what demographics does he appeal to or characteristics he has that make him extra marketable.
I have my own conclusions, but thought it'd be interesting to get another opinion.
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Depends on where he goes.
But firstly, Iginla has a 'brand' that he seems to have developed over the years - fantastic hockey player, tough as nails (used to be, anyways), terrific leadership, uber-athletic, Team Canada veteran, well-spoken, professional in all respects... these are what make up the Iginla brand.
Throw in 'stepping stone facts' such as that he helped Crosby score the Golden Goal, he went into sub-human beast mode during the 2004 Playoffs, has scored 50 goals twice, has never scored less than 30 for many years... people know what he has done. It sounds silly, but it all adds up.
And whether people like to admit it or not, his skin color is marketable, too. He is an ideal role model in professional sports, and playing in cities like Boston, Los Angeles or Chicago - where the African-American communities are significantly larger than Calgary's - presents an opportunity to gain a stronger foothold on those potential markets.
Iginla is a known commodity even out east; I just don't believe he has the same type of reputation that Sundin has (Sundin is a great character as well). Iginla's is just more marketable is a variety of demographics.