Iginla Wants To Remain A Flame

[MacFlame]

Prior to the lockout, at the age of, I believe 40, Steve Yzerman tabulated 18 goals and 33 assists. After the lockout, Steve Yzerman, to ensure the Red Wings could ice a (very) competitive team, took a 4.6 million dollar pay cut and signed a contract worth 1.25 million.

At the time, it was clear that the focus needed to be on the next generation of Red Wing Players...being Pavel and Henrik.

Could Yzerman have gotten more on the free agent market? You bet. That contract, in my opinion, showed what a true leader Yzerman was.

Teams make the shift from one player era to the next in one of two ways: either like Detroit did by the "star" stepping aside and allowing the natural progression to happen, or like (I hate to say it) Vancouver did when they rid themselves of Bertuzzi and Naslund, once it was clear the Sedin's were ready to take the next step.

On the other hand, you could continue to build around your aging star player. But, history indicates that doesn't work so well (see Sundin and the Maple Leafs).

It's been clear to most that Iginla's best years are probably behind him. But what type of contract will Iginla want? One that ensures he'll be the highest paid Flame player for several years to come, or one that allows the Flames some flexibility IF the new crop of players (Sven and Brodie, particularly) excel and get the big second contract that now seems to be the status quo for even the slightly above average NHL player.

I'm certainly not pretending or alluding that Iginla should take a 1.25 million dollar contract like Yzerman did. That would be asinine. But, I do think it wold be in his (yes, his) best interest to negotiate a modest contract (say 4.5 mil over the next 3 years) to ensure the Flames can ice a competitive product while he remains a Flame.

He's 35 years old, and while he put up solid numbers last season, with age, it's remarkable how quickly the stats will fall...it's inevitable.

[FlamesAllTheWay]

I would love for him to stay here and retire a Flame and have no doubt that is what he wants. Loyalty aside, you know he's gunning for a Cup so it'd also be a vote of confidence in the team on his part if he does decide to stay. Realistically though, I think it really boils down to how well the team performs this season. Too bad it's a condensed snapshot now but at least there's something to go off of.

Management seems to be willing to bring in a supporting cast to try and keep the team competitive while we add some of our own talent like Baertschi, Brodie, etc. So if the team actually performs well and shows signs of improvement this season I think he'll stay. However, if we tank then I wouldn't be surprised to see him go. I wouldn't blame him or the team either - he certainly deserves a chance at winning a Cup even if it's not with us. I also wouldn't be surprised to see him return to Calgary and retire a Flame if he does end up leaving. Maybe we'll have rebuilt the squad and he'll get his Cup as a Flame then afterall .

[driveway]

People shouldn't underestimate the potential for a lengthy break to revitalize older players: Teemu Selanne came back from scoring 32 points in 78 games in 03-04 to record 90 points in 05-06. Jaromir Jagr bounced back from two injury-filled seasons to score 123 points in 05-06. Kariya went from 36 points to 85 points, Shanahan went from 53 to 81 points, Nylander had the best two years of his career after the lockout, Modano went from 44 points to 77 points, Martin Straka came back to score 76 points.

Now, there was an inflation in overall scoring from pre to post- '04 lockout, but considering Iginla's passion for fitness, a lengthy vacation from the grind of an NHL schedule could be exactly the thing to revitalize him to 2006-2009 levels for at least two or three more years.

A four-year 7/6/5/4 contract would be a great hometown discount, and a 7/6/6/5 seems like an excellent way to spend the Flames' money.

[magicpixels]

Would really love to know where people are pulling the 7-6-6 figure for the first three years from. I really don't think feaster would consider giving a 38 year old Iginla 6M a year. If he's truly in it for the home town discount I would be expecting a five year deal with numbers in the 6-4-4-3-2. A cap hit of around 4.5M is the very max I would expect feaster to go on a player of his age. If you look at other players his age that 7M a year would be a significant overpayment. A lot of unknowns regarding how long we can expect his productivity to keep up.

I remember with Lanny Mcdonald one year the guy could score at will and within 2 years he was lucky to put in 10 goals and that was during an extremely offensive era.

What happens when they drop him down to the 2nd line, less PP time and fewer shots per game...

[DeluxeMoustache]

If he's truly in it for the home town discount I would be expecting a five year deal with numbers in the 6-4-4-3-2.

^^^ Not CBA compliant. Tsk, tsk.

[Britflamesfan]

No more than a 2 year contract and overpay if necessary to not give the no trade clause. That way both he and the team can have a good look at what direction they are both going in. Iggy is not going to make a good second/third liner unless he picks up some interest in playing defence, which has been lacking for the last couple of years. In no way should the team commit to paying 6 million for the next 4/5 years as some have suggested, it would handicap the team and be unfair to him, as if he has a real falloff in numbers there is every chance the fans turn on him and that would be sad after the career he has had with the flames.

[CrumpyGunt]

I am a big fan of iggy.
I would love to see him retire here.

I dont think this generation of players will be as effected by aging as the last decade of geezers. IMO this is because of a softer league, better equipment, better physios/technology/awareness etc.

I would be more than happy to see iggy here till hes 40.

BUT as britflamesfan says above - not at 6m per year...

I would be ok with 5m max.

Some of you might jump out and say how can you both expect iggy to play well and want to pay him less than market value for a guaranteed 30g scorer and great captain/leader? Because he is going to do the right thing.

ALSO if his intention is to win a cup - but he wants to try and do it here, it only makes sense he should be willing to take a generous pay cut.

Strategy for success =

get rid of bouwmeester and stajan somehow
resign iggy to 5yrs/20ish million maybe up to 24m max.
find kipprusoffs successor
pillage other teams picks/top prospects
go for getzlaf!

we will be just fine and i think we can win a cup before iggy is gone with the way our prospects are looking..
just need to get our cap/salary fixed and put our average age down by getting rid of the old washed up clowns we employ. stajan/bouw/etc

[driveway]

With 67 points, at a 7 million dollar salary, Iginla cost us $104,478 per point. This puts Iginla in the same price-per-point range as the following players:

Gaborik $98,684; B. Richards $101,011; J. Carter $155,079; M. Richards $130,682; E. Staal $117,857; Plekanec $96,154; Semin $124,074; Ovechkin $146,746; Getzlaf $93,421; Kane $95,455; Toews $110,526; Datsyuk $100,000; Heatley $141,509; Thornton $90,909; Marelau $107,813; D. Sedin $91,045; and Kesler $102,041

If Iginla had been paid 6 million, his dollar-per-point would be $89,552 which would unquestionably be one of the better deals in the NHL. There is absolutely no reason to expect anything less than 65 points for the next several years from him and many, many reasons to expect significantly more.

6 million per year for the next three years is more than fair to pay Iginla. Anything less is an absolute steal.

Source for numbers: www.bang4yourpuck.com

[Erick Estrada]

I'd like to see how he looks this year and how he works with Hartley and the coaching staff. He noticeably lost a step last year and I would like to see if this is gradual or one of those things where he really slows down. Also if there are any rumours of him butting heads with the new coaching staff then it's officially time to cut him loose.

On the flip side if he is revitalized under the new staff and can still keep up to the pace then I would like to see him accept a somewhat less than market value deal as if he really wants to win a cup in Calgary he has to realize this team will need cap space and help.

[magicpixels]

Originally Posted by driveway

With 67 points, at a 7 million dollar salary, Iginla cost us $104,478 per point. This puts Iginla in the same price-per-point range as the following players:

Gaborik $98,684; B. Richards $101,011; J. Carter $155,079; M. Richards $130,682; E. Staal $117,857; Plekanec $96,154; Semin $124,074; Ovechkin $146,746; Getzlaf $93,421; Kane $95,455; Toews $110,526; Datsyuk $100,000; Heatley $141,509; Thornton $90,909; Marelau $107,813; D. Sedin $91,045; and Kesler $102,041

If Iginla had been paid 6 million, his dollar-per-point would be $89,552 which would unquestionably be one of the better deals in the NHL. There is absolutely no reason to expect anything less than 65 points for the next several years from him and many, many reasons to expect significantly more.

6 million per year for the next three years is more than fair to pay Iginla. Anything less is an absolute steal.

Source for numbers: www.bang4yourpuck.com

The problem with your numbers. Only one play is in a similar situation and that is Thornton. The rest of these guys are all very young. Everyone is also forgetting that we are likely to see a lot less money handed out in the next two seasons as they adjust to the cap.

I would honestly just say its 18M over 5 years and Iginla retires here. There is no human way to pay him 7M and for us to ice a competitive team. Do you know how many 38 year old players have put up 80 plus point a year?

If anything I'd be willing to give the money to Kipper as goalies are proving more and more that they can play well until their early 40's and still be effective.

[driveway]

Originally Posted by magicpixels

The problem with your numbers. Only one play is in a similar situation and that is Thornton. The rest of these guys are all very young.

1.That's bull poop:
Gaborik - 31 in February, B. Richards - 32, Plekanec - 30, Datsyuk - 34, Heatley - 31, Marleau - 33, Sedin - 32.

and

2. It's irrelevant. I'm not suggesting we give Iginla a 7-year deal. I'm saying 6 million dollars is a totally reasonable salary to pay a 65+ point scorer, regardless of his age. I also think it's totally reasonable to expect Iginla to produce 65 points a season for at least three seasons after this short one.

Heck if we paid him 7/6/5/4 and he put up 80-60-50-40 that would be $95,652 per point over the course of the contract, which is pretty damn good value. If he went 80-70-60-50 (which I think is more likely, and I honestly believe he'll be even more effective than that) he'd be an absolute bargain.

[logan_izer10]

Feaster needs to take Iggy on a horse ride through the country and sign him for 10 Mil/4 Years.

Problem solved!

[Bobby]

3 years/12 million, max.

Then year by year.

[magicpixels]

Originally Posted by driveway

1.That's bull poop:
Gaborik - 31 in February, B. Richards - 32, Plekanec - 30, Datsyuk - 34, Heatley - 31, Marleau - 33, Sedin - 32.

and

2. It's irrelevant. I'm not suggesting we give Iginla a 7-year deal. I'm saying 6 million dollars is a totally reasonable salary to pay a 65+ point scorer, regardless of his age. I also think it's totally reasonable to expect Iginla to produce 65 points a season for at least three seasons after this short one.

Heck if we paid him 7/6/5/4 and he put up 80-60-50-40 that would be $95,652 per point over the course of the contract, which is pretty damn good value. If he went 80-70-60-50 (which I think is more likely, and I honestly believe he'll be even more effective than that) he'd be an absolute bargain.

You think it's reasonable to expect Jarome at the age of 37 to put up 65+ points when he barely did this in two of the last three seasons? Some fans really need to get in touch with reality. It's more likely that after this season he starts to get into a comfortable role where he is putting up 50-60 points a year. Expecting more of a player at that age is completely unreasonable.

Again you are comparing 31 and 32 year old players which have a big difference in value. A 31 year old player still has value on the market. A 35 year old player might get you a conditional first round draft pick. I'm honestly hoping the max he's given in the first year is 5M and then it floats down to 2.5 in the final year.

Seriously 37 year old Jarome putting up 65 points? The guy is a great player but he's not god.

[FAN]

Another solid season from Iginla and I can see him signing a Shane Doan like contract to finish his career here or a 2 year contract for market value with the promise that he'll receive a market value contract until he retires here. Of course there's a chance that Iginla declines drastically this season, but the chances are Iginla will remain the team's best player this season. Chances are that Iginla is going to take a pay cut, but no way is he signing a contract that has him making less than the likes of Hudler.

Originally Posted by MacFlame

Prior to the lockout, at the age of, I believe 40, Steve Yzerman tabulated 18 goals and 33 assists. After the lockout, Steve Yzerman, to ensure the Red Wings could ice a (very) competitive team, took a 4.6 million dollar pay cut and signed a contract worth 1.25 million.

At the time, it was clear that the focus needed to be on the next generation of Red Wing Players...being Pavel and Henrik.

Could Yzerman have gotten more on the free agent market? You bet. That contract, in my opinion, showed what a true leader Yzerman was.

The Yzerman comparison really is a poor one. Yzerman was a lot older and his decline was real and injuries were a real concern. Iginla hasn't missed a game the past 5 years and it can be six by the the time his current contract ends. There had already been a changing of the guard over in Detroit while Iginla remains this team's best player. Additionally, Detroit was buying out players to be under the cap. It won't be the same situation here in a year's time.

[kyuss275]

Originally Posted by driveway

1.That's bull poop:
Gaborik - 31 in February, B. Richards - 32, Plekanec - 30, Datsyuk - 34, Heatley - 31, Marleau - 33, Sedin - 32.

and

2. It's irrelevant. I'm not suggesting we give Iginla a 7-year deal. I'm saying 6 million dollars is a totally reasonable salary to pay a 65+ point scorer, regardless of his age. I also think it's totally reasonable to expect Iginla to produce 65 points a season for at least three seasons after this short one.

Heck if we paid him 7/6/5/4 and he put up 80-60-50-40 that would be $95,652 per point over the course of the contract, which is pretty damn good value. If he went 80-70-60-50 (which I think is more likely, and I honestly believe he'll be even more effective than that) he'd be an absolute bargain.

Those were the older guys you picked out of the last list and they are still 4 years younger than Iggy. 6 million is good if it's year to year contract, but you do not guarantee a 38-39 $6 million. His body has more chance of slowing down than staying the same, that's just they way it is with age.

[Beatle17]

Just some perspective on "scoring" in the NHL might help people get a realistic value. I just compared Iginla's and Datsyuks scoring over the last 10 years, since 2001-02 season and was surprised to see who was the better performer since that point. Most people on these boards consider Datsyuk to be in the discussion as the best player etc., and seem to discount Iginla's abilities.

Since the 2001-02 season Iginla has more goals and points. He has outscored Datsyuk 6 of the 10 season with one being tied in points (last year) and this occured while playing with a far inferior cast of characters and much weaker powerplay. I think people need to realize that Iginla is still one of the top players in the game and he should be paid accordingly, which in my opinion is $5.5-$6M per year. ( I used Datsyuk as a comparible because of the consensus about how great he is and his closeness in age)

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by kyuss275

Those were the older guys you picked out of the last list and they are still 4 years younger than Iggy. 6 million is good if it's year to year contract, but you do not guarantee a 38-39 $6 million. His body has more chance of slowing down than staying the same, that's just they way it is with age.

Yep. If Iggy wants a multiple year deal he's going to have to accept a pay cut in the later years or simply take it year to year. Flames would be foolish to commit $5 or $6 million to him at the age of 38.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Beatle17

Since the 2001-02 season Iginla has more goals and points. He has outscored Datsyuk 6 of the 10 season with one being tied in points (last year) and this occured while playing with a far inferior cast of characters and much weaker powerplay. I think people need to realize that Iginla is still one of the top players in the game and he should be paid accordingly, which in my opinion is $5.5-$6M per year. ( I used Datsyuk as a comparible because of the consensus about how great he is and his closeness in age)

Terrible comparison as Iginla is long past his peak numbers early in the last decade and is strickly a one-dimensional player now. Datsyuk is getting up there in age but he's a much better skater and all around player than Iginla and has much more value.

[Beatle17]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Terrible comparison as Iginla is long past his peak numbers early in the last decade and is strickly a one-dimensional player now. Datsyuk is getting up there in age but he's a much better skater and all around player than Iginla and has much more value.

How is it terrible? If he long past his peak numbers why does he consistently end up near the top of the scoring statistics league wide? If you base it on stats, which is all I did, Iginla is still outperforming Datsyuk. I think Datsyuk is great and would take him on my team in a second, but I would also take Iginla in the same breath.

Just because YOU say Iginla is one dimensional doesn't diminish his value to the Flames. Iginla is, was and will always be paid to score. He has done exactly what is asked of him. Again, I only used Datsyuk as a comparison so people could get their heads around the fact that Iginla is not really diminishing in ability.