Now, still without a Stanley Cup and set to become an unrestricted free agent, Iginla isn’t garnering half the attention he did just a few months ago.
That’s mostly due to other major NHL offseason stories: a few significant compliance buyouts, trade rumors involving key players, the draft, and news on other free agents. But, to a lesser extent, Iginla’s poor performance down the stretch in the 2013 playoffs could also be a reason for the media’s lack of interest in his future.
It wasn’t too long ago, in the years before Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin, that Iginla was one of the NHL’s top players. While he isn’t capable of playing at that level anymore, what can we expect from a 17-year veteran who will turn 36 on July 1?
He may only have a few good years left, but Iginla can still have an impact on the right team.
Enter the Los Angeles Kings.
Iginla seemed to have trouble adjusting to his new role with the Penguins, which are built around speed and finesse. The Kings, on the other hand, are a physical squad that depends on a strong forecheck and good team defense.
Iginla has experience playing for Darryl Sutter, who was the head coach in Calgary for parts of three seasons from 2002-03 to 2006. Iginla enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2004, scoring 41 goals and leading the Flames to within a game of the Stanley Cup.
At 6’1” and 210 pounds, Iginla can still play physical hockey and be effective along the boards and in the corners. As one of the NHL’s most consistent scorers since the early 2000s, Iginla still has a great shot and could work well on a line with Mike Richards or Ja...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Kings
