[the_only_turek_fan]

Originally Posted by browna

He owes every dime of the $19.2m he'll make since 2010 to Iginla.

He went to Montreal after whining about Keenan, and then a francophone team of all teams wanted nothing to do with him after. That's a red flag right there. It took until a few days before camp that offseason for Tampa to sign him the next year, where he had a horrible year, playing with St. Louis and Lecavalier through his stint. Only when he comes back to play the next year with Iginla does he prove anything.

IMO, other teams see this, and his trade value is low, never mind the contract he has left. (doesn't take a genius to figure out how long the Flames hoped to have extended Iginla for past this year, when signing Tanguay to that deal).

His pure skill and ability are still there when he wants it to be, and was with Iginla either on the ice or at least in the roster. Although his attitude may not be the same that saw him get upset at the way Keenan used him, there's also a reason Hartley hasn't given him a letter. I think you're not going to see as motivated a player without his buddy and sole reason for still being in the league, around, from this point on...let alone for over 3 more years.

As a result, I think you'll see him bought out this summer...not because of the money, but because of the term and that they want to open up that roster spot and move on, and this is a one off chance to do it...then I'd hazard to guess he'll sign a cheap deal wherever Iginla ends up on July 5th.

Hope I am wrong, hope he can step up and help this team as a leader...just don't see any previous hint of him being that kind of player first and foremost.

Alex has been completely invisible since Iginla has left.