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I think Gaudreau's problem is his broken finger/hand. Sure it's healed so that he can play, but his hands were everything, it is what made him the great player that he was. You have to think there is still some residual impact if not physically, then at least psychologically.

I mean Brouwer still looks like crap after breaking his hand, and he doesn't even rely on them like Gaudreau does.

I also still think that Gaudreau probably doesn't feel protected out there. The guy gets slashed on the hands 21 times in one game and not get a single call and the final time breaking his hand/finger. The referees aren't there to protect him and his teammates haven't really been there to protect him.

He wasn't taking nearly this much abuse in his first two seasons.

The Flames aren't tough enough and they aren't protecting Gaudreau and he can't play his game. Oilers are protecting McDavid and he can play his game.

I doubt Iginla waives to come back here, but he brings two things that would really fit opposite Gaudreau, shooting ability and the character to defend his teammates. Iggy will fight anyone who takes liberties with Gaudreau, he's done it all throughout his career and still does it. The only question is would Iggy waive to come here, probably not.