[Rumour] Iginla willing to waive NMC at this years deadline

[KipperFaNaTic]

Bring him back; if not for scoring, for leadership and mentoring.

It may be eye-opening to the younger players on how much the city appreciates Iginla for giving his all here in the past.

[Manhattanboy]

If playoffs are realistic at the deadline, yes.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by KipperFaNaTic

Bring him back; if not for scoring, for leadership and mentoring.

It may be eye-opening to the younger players on how much the city appreciates Iginla for giving his all here in the past.

I think we have a good balance of vet players to cover the leadership and mentoring. IIRC Treliving said in a recent interview that it was part of the reason they signed Brouwer.

[Tyler]

Originally Posted by KipperFaNaTic

Bring him back; if not for scoring, for leadership and mentoring.

It may be eye-opening to the younger players on how much the city appreciates Iginla for giving his all here in the past.

Working exceptionally well in Colorado right now, eh?

[DeluxeMoustache]

I watched a Colorado game earlier this year and the Iggy / Comeau line played 3rd line minutes and was the best line for Colorado.

I saw Iggy backcheck in his last season in Calgary.

I saw him be one of the better players for Pitt when they were in the playoffs. Better than Malkin that year for sure.

I saw him be on one of the best lines in the league in Boston. And in the playoffs he stepped up his game while many of his teammates disappeared.

I get that he is not what he once was. Sure he blew the zone at times post Keenan, but to suggest that he did not have ability to play a 2 way game when he left here, or that is now among the worst players in the league is absurd.

Unless you count the worst players in the league as a generalization about the Avs. They are a mess. I don't think that you are seeing Iggy's current capability reflected on that gong show of a team.

Eyes wide open, I know he isn't what he was. But I could see him elevating his game in the back half of the year and think he is not far enough removed from decent play that he can not contribute.

I acknowledge it is influenced by sentiment and would like to see it

[Iniggywetrust]

I get the no votes. How can he help this team, he's not who he use to be, we have better options for right wing. But Fata all that.

He's not a detriment to the team and to see him step out onto the ice, his first game back, wearing that flaming red C...brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. Picture it and tell me you still can vote a hard no.

[Young_Guns]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

Unless you count the worst players in the league as a generalization about the Avs. They are a mess. I don't think that you are seeing Iggy's current capability reflected on that gong show of a team.

This. Which is exactly why he will generate interest at the deadline from at least a few teams. He isn't the reason the Avs are bad this year.

[tkflames]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

I watched a Colorado game earlier this year and the Iggy / Comeau line played 3rd line minutes and was the best line for Colorado.

I saw Iggy backcheck in his last season in Calgary.

I saw him be one of the better players for Pitt when they were in the playoffs. Better than Malkin that year for sure.

I saw him be on one of the best lines in the league in Boston. And in the playoffs he stepped up his game while many of his teammates disappeared.

I get that he is not what he once was. Sure he blew the zone at times post Keenan, but to suggest that he did not have ability to play a 2 way game when he left here, or that is now among the worst players in the league is absurd.

Unless you count the worst players in the league as a generalization about the Avs. They are a mess. I don't think that you are seeing Iggy's current capability reflected on that gong show of a team.

Eyes wide open, I know he isn't what he was. But I could see him elevating his game in the back half of the year and think he is not far enough removed from decent play that he can not contribute.

I acknowledge it is influenced by sentiment and would like to see it

That's where you and I differ.

I loved Iggy when he was here and will never forget what he did for the Flames let alone the city in his chartiable work. However, the team I remember when he left had a country club atmosphere with no pride. Iggy and Tanguay spent most of their time playing defense by circling the offensive blue line.

It is not a coincidence that the culture completely changed to "always earned, never given" when the torch was passed to Gio under the same coach. I dont disagree that Iggy may have something left in the tank for a run, but I cannot recall in recent history where this type of trade has ever worked out for the team trying to make a run (Morrow, Iginla, Tkatchuck). The closest "success story" might be Regehr and that could be the type of player that would be worth a look around the trade deadline...a warrior that had to spend his entire career fighting for every inch.

For those in the sentimental crowd- I have a hard time arguing with you that it would be a great experience, especiall for those that started really following the team in the late 90s early 00s. The last time I had tears in my eyes was when Fleury scored in the shootout. Probably my favourite Flames moment since becoming a fan in 95'

[Igottago]

Originally Posted by tkflames

That's where you and I differ.

I loved Iggy when he was here and will never forget what he did for the Flames let alone the city in his chartiable work. However, the team I remember when he left had a country club atmosphere with no pride. Iggy and Tanguay spent most of their time playing defense by circling the offensive blue line.

Sorry, keep reading this, its not true, or if it is it doesn't rest on the shoulders of Iginla. That team simply wasn't good enough to go where fans wanted it to. The team has way better centre depth now than it ever did during Iginla's career (all due respect to guys like Conroy and Langkow).

There were many other reasons those Flames teams failed to deliver and not much of it was Iginla's fault.

I don't know how anyone could have watched Iginla's Flames career and seen anything other than a guy who did everything he possibly could to help the team, whether it was scoring, fighting, taking the media pressure on his shoulders. The guy was the best captain in the team's history. This narrative that he was some type of cherry picker who just wanted to pad his own stats -- utter nonsense.

[MarkGio]

Originally Posted by tkflames

That's where you and I differ.

I loved Iggy when he was here and will never forget what he did for the Flames let alone the city in his chartiable work. However, the team I remember when he left had a country club atmosphere with no pride. Iggy and Tanguay spent most of their time playing defense by circling the offensive blue line.

It is not a coincidence that the culture completely changed to "always earned, never given" when the torch was passed to Gio under the same coach. I dont disagree that Iggy may have something left in the tank for a run, but I cannot recall in recent history where this type of trade has ever worked out for the team trying to make a run (Morrow, Iginla, Tkatchuck). The closest "success story" might be Regehr and that could be the type of player that would be worth a look around the trade deadline...a warrior that had to spend his entire career fighting for every inch.

For those in the sentimental crowd- I have a hard time arguing with you that it would be a great experience, especiall for those that started really following the team in the late 90s early 00s. The last time I had tears in my eyes was when Fleury scored in the shootout. Probably my favourite Flames moment since becoming a fan in 95'

Under the Iginla tenure, the Flames never finished as bad as the following:

- 2013-14 (27th in the league)
- 2015-16 (26th in the league)

Iginla and Tanguay spent most of their careers playing with centres like Jokinen, Langkow, Stajan and Conroy. They also had four of their twilight years playing under lousy coaches, who to this day, cannot find work in the NHL (Sutter and Playfair). The country club you're thinking of did not stem from the players. If I recall, at one point 6 Sutter brothers were key personnel in the organization. If that's not country club nepotism, then I don't know what is. And where does a culture start and end? From the top. That's true of any organization.

Maybe it wasn't until Burke started firing people and trading off players did players act like they cared for their job? But let's blame it on Iginla.... right? Because the winger is the most important position in hockey to carry a team on its back

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Igottago

Sorry, keep reading this, its not true, or if it is it doesn't rest on the shoulders of Iginla. That team simply wasn't good enough to go where fans wanted it to. The team has way better centre depth now than it ever did during Iginla's career (all due respect to guys like Conroy and Langkow).

There were many other reasons those Flames teams failed to deliver and not much of it was Iginla's fault.

I don't know how anyone could have watched Iginla's Flames career and seen anything other than a guy who did everything he possibly could to help the team, whether it was scoring, fighting, taking the media pressure on his shoulders. The guy was the best captain in the team's history. This narrative that he was some type of cherry picker who just wanted to pad his own stats -- utter nonsense.

I don't think that he was someone looking to pad his own stats.
I think he sincerely believed that the team couldn't score enough and that he needed to shoulder that burden. So he focused on a very offense first game at the expense of the team system and 2 way hockey.
He didn't set a good example on the ice for what the coach wanted or even some of his team-mates.
But by no means do I think it was for selfish reasons. I think he was doing it because he thought that's what was required to win.

The Iginla/Regehr disconnect, as the two most important leaders on those teams, is something I'd love to know more about.

They were clearly not on the same page and it damaged the team IMHO.

[tkflames]

Originally Posted by MarkGio

Under the Iginla tenure, the Flames never finished as bad as the following:

- 2013-14 (27th in the league)
- 2015-16 (26th in the league)

Iginla and Tanguay spent most of their careers playing with centres like Jokinen, Langkow, Stajan and Conroy. They also had four of their twilight years playing under lousy coaches, who to this day, cannot find work in the NHL (Sutter and Playfair). The country club you're thinking of did not stem from the players. If I recall, at one point 6 Sutter brothers were key personnel in the organization. If that's not country club nepotism, then I don't know what is. And where does a culture start and end? From the top. That's true of any organization.

Maybe it wasn't until Burke started firing people and trading off players did players act like they cared for their job? But let's blame it on Iginla.... right? Because the winger is the most important position in hockey to carry a team on its back

I am not blaming Iginla for the team sucking, but I do believe that Iginla as the Captain had responsibility for the culture that the players embodied. If you go back to the PGT of the 13/14 season when the last of the Iginla years were freshest in people's minds you will find plenty of positive sentiment how different the team played.

If there was an opportunity to have the lead by example Iginla that threw the team on his back to Victory and single handedly turned games and playoff series' around, I am all I'm. However when it comes to mentoring Young players, I'd rather have the guy that had to fight for every inch in his career.

I guess it comes down to your motivation for wanting Iginla.

1. If you think he can improve the team substantially enough from a hockey standpoint that you would be willing to give up real assets, then I challenge you to give me an example where this has worked in the last 5 years.

2. If you think he can be a mentor, then this is a case where we will disagree and with neither of us actually in the locker room and at best having some second hand information on the impact, I don't think we will convince he other.

3. If the reason for bringing him back is purely sentimental for the purpose of being a fan and cheering for the old man. I am all in, but the price needs to be in line with this.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by MarkGio

Under the Iginla tenure, the Flames never finished as bad as the following:

- 2013-14 (27th in the league)
- 2015-16 (26th in the league)

Iginla and Tanguay spent most of their careers playing with centres like Jokinen, Langkow, Stajan and Conroy.

I think you are under-rating Conroy and more importantly Langkow.
Dude was a great centre. Doesn't get nearly the credit he deserves.

[Machiavelli]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

The Iginla/Regehr disconnect, as the two most important leaders on those teams, is something I'd love to know more about.

They were clearly not on the same page and it damaged the team IMHO.

What is this based on?

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

What is this based on?

Primarily Regehr interviews at the time

[MisterJoji]

Originally Posted by New Era

I'd take Vey. Iginla is only as good as his scoring is, and he has lost the zip in his shot. Vey can at least play some defense and isn't a total liability on the ice. Iginla is one of the worst players in the league right now. You really need to watch a few Colorado games this year. It is crazy how bad the wheels have come off.

[Igottago]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

I don't think that he was someone looking to pad his own stats.
I think he sincerely believed that the team couldn't score enough and that he needed to shoulder that burden. So he focused on a very offense first game at the expense of the team system and 2 way hockey.
He didn't set a good example on the ice for what the coach wanted or even some of his team-mates.
But by no means do I think it was for selfish reasons. I think he was doing it because he thought that's what was required to win.

The Iginla/Regehr disconnect, as the two most important leaders on those teams, is something I'd love to know more about.

They were clearly not on the same page and it damaged the team IMHO.

This is at least a reasonable analysis of the situation (not that I fully agree) rather than some people wanting to paint Iginla as a selfish player.

However, I do think that pretty much everywhere he's gone since Calgary Iginla has always talked about accepting a role and doing what the team wanted from him. Seemed like it worked out well quite at times too (particularly Boston).

I don't know much about the Regehr/Iginla divide but to me a good coaching staff and management should have been able to iron that out.

I think Iginla gets way too much flack for that team's lack of success. Frankly I've always contended it came down to drafting. Iginla had no young stars coming up the ranks as he carried the team on his shoulders. Gio now has a variety of star teammates that are going to take pressure off him and help elevate the team.

[MarkGio]

Originally Posted by tkflames

I am not blaming Iginla for the team sucking, but I do believe that Iginla as the Captain had responsibility for the culture that the players embodied. If you go back to the PGT of the 13/14 season when the last of the Iginla years were freshest in people's minds you will find plenty of positive sentiment how different the team played.

If there was an opportunity to have the lead by example Iginla that threw the team on his back to Victory and single handedly turned games and playoff series' around, I am all I'm. However when it comes to mentoring Young players, I'd rather have the guy that had to fight for every inch in his career.

I guess it comes down to your motivation for wanting Iginla.

1. If you think he can improve the team substantially enough from a hockey standpoint that you would be willing to give up real assets, then I challenge you to give me an example where this has worked in the last 5 years.

2. If you think he can be a mentor, then this is a case where we will disagree and with neither of us actually in the locker room and at best having some second hand information on the impact, I don't think we will convince he other.

3. If the reason for bringing him back is purely sentimental for the purpose of being a fan and cheering for the old man. I am all in, but the price needs to be in line with this.

I have not voted for or expressed support for bringing back Iginla. I am impartial to the notion. What I will not support, however, is needlessly tarnishing a good man's name without any merit or justification. I like the person and what he did for the Flames and he's done nothing wrong that I know of. People who suggest he was some sort of poison of poor leader are so fanatical about the organization winning games and going to the playoffs that it's allowed their moral judgement to be clouded. Then, I may ask, who is the poor leader and poisonous?

[CGY12]

While teams like Chicago, Boston and LA were having significant success with a youth movement, surrounding them with talented experienced players, the Flames were bringing back the likes of Jokinen, Cammalleri and Tanguay, to try and compete.

The drafts and amateur scouting was atrocious to the point where (minus Phaneuf), we literally had no young players making any kind of impact on the team.

That is not the recipe for success clearly and it cost the Flames in the latter years of Iginla's career with the team. I definitely think his heart was in the right place, but their is only so much you can do when a team is reliant on older UFAs and trading for players who simply weren't what they used to be.

Then of course some fans start pointing blame on the shoulders of the captain. His play, professionalism, personality and character is something this city should be proud of, not questioning.

Disagree all you want on if the Flames should bring him back, but anybody questioning his ability to lead or his captaincy are simply out to lunch.

He basically brought respectability back to this franchise.

[MarkGio]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

I think you are under-rating Conroy and more importantly Langkow.
Dude was a great centre. Doesn't get nearly the credit he deserves.

No I'm not. Neither had a very successful career before or after centring Iginla. I think your underrating what I would consider one of the most dominant and best all-around wingers of his generation. Iginla and Kipper in their prime took basically a team of plugs to the SCF. They had one rookie All-Star defenseman and a great shutdown defensemen helping them, and a great coach in Daryl Sutter. Who else from that team really had a good career afterwards?