Quote:
Originally Posted by JiriHrdina
In my view he is too slow - both in terms of his foot speed and his hockey IQ now. It happens to everyone.
And he was never a good 2 way player.
Nevermind the immense distraction the entire thing could be.
I would love to see them add a veteran winger for the right price. There are better choices.
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Surprised there wasn't a response already.
Iginla stopped being a really good 2-way player years ago, but for a while he definitely was. When he was the best player in the world it was not only because he could score 50 goals and fight, but because he was so good defensively. Iginla was good all over the ice, in all situations, and against any opponent.
I will agree that it is no longer the case - and hasn't been even for the last few years while in Calgary. I still blame Keenan for allowing that change to happen.
As for the voting... I am actually taking a 'wait and see' approach. Maybe a combination of injuries on the Flames coupled with improved performance from Iginla make bringing him back a good option, but at the moment I would have to say no if pressed.
If it works out, it is a really wonderful story. I just fear the opposite will happen and people will be surprised at how far Iginla has fallen, and he will become a whipping boy. He started (and still is partially) a whipping boy on these forums since before he was traded, even though he was still a really good player. I can only imagine how some posters would post with regards to him.
Right or wrong, Iginla wanted to win here in Calgary more than anything. It didn't work out, and he moved on. That's how I see it anyways. Everything else is really just filler to me. Bringing him back has to make sense somehow (and more than just a feel-good story). The way he is playing now, I would only feel comfortable giving him a 4th line role with no PP time, and I am not sure I want Hathaway sitting to make room for it.