Can see when people think a guys game won't transition to the NHL, maybe they don't have the motor, the physical game, the size etc to continue to put up points as they move up the ranks but Tij Iginla has shown nothing but top line skill for the past 1.5-2 years. Again, maybe that doesn't translate but the skill is undeniably there.
This was pre-draft
Quote:
Chris Peters, FloHockey: Iginla has elite hands, with quick puck skills and a deadly release. His rise up the draft charts has been fueled by his game improving with each passing month. Iginla has good details off the puck, where he can be disruptive to the opposing team. He has quickness and while there isn’t a ton of a physical edge to him, he engages with his body. Iginla also developed a goal-scorer’s touch, working to get pucks to the interior and scoring from higher-percentage areas. While he has center capabilities, it seems more likely he will be a wing where he can maximize the offensive tools that are so plainly evident in his game.
Tony Ferrari, The Hockey News: Life is never fun when you must face Tij Iginla. Just when you think there is a bit of time or space, he takes it away and pesters you for the puck. He is one of the most hard-working and relentless players in the NHL draft class. Iginla’s game is built on that motor and the little details. Whether it’s being on the right side of the puck to support, getting in on the forecheck and taking the best route possible or just understanding how to time his routes on the cycle, Iginla has mastered the little things.
Luke Sweeney, Dobber Prospects: Few players in this draft have had as rapid of an ascension as winger Tij Iginla, and with good reason. Iginla began the season as a dogged, hard-nosed player with some exciting tools and strong details and habits across the board. By the end of the WHL playoffs where Iginla scored at a near goal-per-game rate, it’s clear that he has everything you’d want in a high-end top-six forward.
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Agreed he won't be a centre but I have the same feelings about Tij Iginla as I did about Matthew Tkachuk, the guy just comes across as an NHL player each time you see him, a guy that gets "it" and has done nothing but show he's a star since he matured in the WHL. Bonus is he's still just 18, think he'll have a monster year as a 19 year old and really shine in the WJs next Christmas.
Not to take anything away from Zayne who's shown nothing but be a potential star.