Quote:
Originally Posted by flamestalker
I don't think he was completely comfortable playing in the Eastern Conference...
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I 100% agree, he does not belong out East. The pace out West is far more suitable for his style. Many Eastern based teams play too fast for his style, and I don't thing he can change at his age to accommodate such change. I would have said Ottawa, Detroit, and possibly Philly would be near the top of his list, but probably not anymore.
Here would be my top five candidates.
1.) Los Angeles: Obviously he has a relationship with a ton of people in LA, beyond just Darryl. The only issue with the Kings is they already have a ton of depth at the forward position, and they'll need to find room for young guys like Toffoli, Nick Shore, and perhaps a couple other guys next year. Also it depends on what terms he is on with Darryl currently.
2.) Vancouver: I honestly think that based on need, and positioning Iginla on the Canucks makes a lot of sense. He could probably slot in on a line with the Sedin's, and get a good chunk of powerplay time. I could see him score 35 goals even at his age. Of course the Canucks have cap issues, but I think Gillis wants to make a few big moves in the off-season, and bring in Iginla would do that. He also owns property in BC, is a part owner of the Blazers, and has spent a great deal of time playing in Vancouver over the years. Of course going there would spurn the Flames, but I think he'd see it as less of an issue as say joining the Oilers instead.
3.) St. Louis: Just going based off of Cup contenders the Blues seem like a good fit. The only issue is like the Kings them have a glut of forward depth, and if they went for a big ticket player, I think they'd want someone younger than Iginla. Also the Blues are not a team that can spend near the cap, so they probably can't offer Iginla the most. However maybe he'd want to reunite with his former Blazers coach in Ken Hitchcock.
4.) Anaheim: The Ducks seem to like having veteran players on their team, so Iginla might be a fit there. Him signing there might depend on what happens to Koivu and Selanne, or if the Ducks try and deal Bobby Ryan. Personally I think Iginla would be a solid fit in Anaheim, and would actually love to see him on the same team with Selanne. Although the only reason Iginla would want to sign there is that the Ducks might contend next year. Aside from that, does he have another reason to go out there?
5.) Edmonton: Pretty much a longshot, but anything is possible I guess. Edmonton may be able to pay the most, and bringing in Iginla might do wonders for their dressing room (in theory). Iginla was born in the Edmonton area, and obviously has some connections to the city. I don't see why he'd choose Edmonton, but if they offer him 18 million over 3 years, could he actually turn that offer down?
There are some other teams he might go to, and if he is willing to go out East maybe a Buffalo might work considering what they offered Doan last season. But, if I had to make a wager I'm almost certain he'll be back in the West for the end of his career.