The Signing: Jarome Iginla, RW, 37, signs with the Colorado Avalanche
The Deal: Three years and $16 million
The Cap Hit: $5.3 million per season
Where he fits: Beside last year’s rookie of the year? Nathan MacKinnon’s abilities must be a big draw for Iginla, who could play on the right flank beside the 2013 first-overall pick. With Paul Stastny leaving for the Blues, Colorado will re-shuffle its top-six deck and “Iggy” will fall in somewhere. Iginla, who spent the better part of two decades with the Calgary Flames, is back in the Western Conference after a relatively brief voyage to the East.
The Good: Iginla might be the most respected player in hockey, so it never hurts to bring this guy into your dressing room. Iginla was a terrific fit on Boston’s second line last year, netting 30 goals. He keeps himself in fantastic shape and rarely misses time. Avalanche executive vice-president Joe Sakic was Iginla’s linemate at the 2002 Olympics when Canada won gold, so you have to figure he pushed hard to get this deal done.
The Bad: His age. At 37, even the guys who are in the best of shape are unpredictable. It’s also less obvious how Iginla’s game will translate to the Avs relative to how he blended in Boston. The Bruins dominate the boards with big bodies; Colorado races around the ice like a pack of fighter jets. Will Iggy be able to keep up? He’s never been the fastest guy to begin with, so it’s something to keep an eye on. Also, from Iginla’s perspective, how likely is Colorado to win a Cup in the ultra-tough West? Yes, they have some great young pieces, but there are still big questions on the blueline and the Avs’ puck-possession numbers are among the worst in the NHL.
The Grade: B-. You’ll never complain about bringing somebody with Iginla’s reputation and body of work, but this doesn’t feel like a slam-dunk fit from either end.