Quote:
Originally Posted by djsFlames
The only fans doing that would have their hopes unrealistically high for a 39 year old and would probably be put in their place, at least on here. And rightfully so.
But I could see a lot of the casual fans hating on him if he were to fizzle due to age and decline. But even a 40 point Iggy would still be better than half the players on the team.
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I think a 40 point Iginla that helps the team win IS an unrealistic expectation.
The majority of his points would come on the PP. Sure, that is helpful. No question.
However, 5 on 5, I think he would hurt the team. He has slowed down. He hasn't been a defensive stalwart for about a decade now when he was arguably the best player in the game, and one of the best 2-way players.
What players on the team would be worse than him? Stajan, Bollig.. Raymond (if he was to somehow make the team next season)...
It would be a different conversation if Iginla became more focused at both ends of the ice now and accepted that he is now a 'supporting player'. I don't think he has yet. -22 this year - I don't want that on the Flames, especially when his points are coming off the PP. I didn't even bother looking, but I bet his quality of competition and Zone starts are probably pretty favorable.
I absolutely love Iginla, and this is exactly why I don't want him to return. He would be a whipping boy because people still think he is better than half the players on the team. He isn't, and it is fading. He is not responsible defensively, he has slowed down a lot and is behind the play a lot, he isn't very physical (outside of the rare fight) and his even-strength goal production is diminishing quickly.
I don't think he can keep up with the top 6 in Calgary. I don't think you can put him on Backlund's line (assuming Backlund's line is the 3rd line next season) and expect him to help shut-down opposing players. The only room for him would be on the 4th line with PP time, and even then I don't think he would make for a very good 'energy player' these days. I just don't see the room, and I don't see Iginla as better than anyone not on the 4th line.
Who is he realistically better than right now on the Flames?