Jarome Iginla to Chicago: Yes or No?
As many have reported over the last couple days, future Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla has reportedly given a list of teams to whom he would accept a trade to the Calgary Flames.
The teams on that list were Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh; with the Penguins acquiring Brenden Morrow from Dallas on Sunday, they would figure to be out of the running at this point.
Should the Blackhawks pursue a deal for Iginla?
Iginla would certainly bring the physical element many Hawks fans have desperately wanted, and the Hawks can afford Iginla; he is in the final year of his contract and works under the cap.
However, there are two significant issues we have to recognize when considering a deal for Iginla.
One major consideration that has to be recognized when thinking about a deal for Iginla is that acquiring him would be strictly a rental for the Blackhawks. There isn’t cap space for Iginla to remain in Chicago after this season.
The second issue is where Iginla would skate. As we talked about when considering Ottawa’s Daniel Alfredsson, Iginla plays the same right wing position that Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane currently occupy in Chicago. He is a right-handed shot, however, which is something the Hawks need; most of their top nine forwards shoot left-handed.
If the Hawks added Iginla, where would he fit? Would he push Patrick Kane or Patrick Sharp to center on the second line? Would he push Brandon Saad off the top line? Those are your two options if adding a top-six forward that isn’t a center.
Where Iginla would play presents the most significant logistical issue, but we also have to think about the cost. The framework for a package being used in Iginla rumors is a roster player, a prospect, and a high-round draft pick.
When it comes to moving draft picks, Stan Bowman has been more likely to add than subtract selections over the last three summers. But Bowman was also re-stocking a prospect pool that was among the worst in the NHL when he took over as GM, and cap issues forced him to do that through the draft. He has now built a strong talent base in the organization, and he has some organizational depth to draw from when considering which prospects or picks to move in any deal.
Which prospects would Bowman be comfortable moving?
Saad appears to be a lock on the Hawks’ NHL roster moving forward, and it’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Hawks would move him for a rental. And based on conversations with individuals in the organizations, we believe Adam Clendening is not available. Jimmy Hayes appears to have the inside track on the next available roster spot in Chicago, which means he might not be available.
On the other hand, Brandon Pirri has had two good seasons in Rockford but hasn’t been able to stick with the Blackhawks for more than a couple games over the last two years. Would a good young center be good enough for Calgary GM Jay Feaster? And should the Hawks give away a productive, young player like Pirri for a rental?
What about the roster player involved in the deal? The obvious targets would be two forwards that are set to hit free agency this summer: Viktor Stalberg and Bryan Bickell. But is there more to the Blackhawks giving Michael Frolik ice time with Saad and Jonathan Toews tonight than just filling the hole left by Hossa? Are the Hawks shopping one of their primary penalty killers?
There are a lot of questions that need to be answered when thinking about Iginla in a Blackhawks sweater. If the Flames do move their captain, it appears the Hawks are on the short list of potential destinations. How much should they move for a rental? And where does Iginla fit if he comes to Chicago?
I would trade our #1 pick in this upcoming draft for Iginla and worst case throw in a prospect, but not a top prospect. If the last is that short as you indicate then we would stand a good chance to get him. Where you play him is a luxury for the coach. Why not put him on the 4th line to add scoring punch there and then roll out 4 strong lines for the playoffs. Injuries of course will happen and players often seem to get shuffled around anyway.
I don’t want to give up nor should they give up Stalberg or Bickell for a rental. Frolik I can see him going. While he is doing a fine job on the penalty kill, he provides no scoring. Until Hossa and Sharp get healthy, Iggy would start on the first line then when Hosss comes back put him on the second line. Once Sharp comes back I would out him on the forth line as Pete stated and then you have truly four lines that can score.
My guess Feaster is going to wait until the end to try and drive the market as high as possible. I would offer Frolik and Pirri and see what Feaster says. If the Morrow trade proves anything, it’s that he ain’t getting two players a draft pick from anyone and if they do that team is crazy.
Also it looks like Dallas has decided to be sellers so I’d check with them to see what it takes to get Roy. With so many teams close it’s hard to determine who will be sellers at this point.
The report I saw was 2 prospects and a draft pick. I would think Calgary would rather have a prospect on an ELC than the overpriced Frolik anyway. So based on that I would trade any 2 of our prospects except Teravainen and Danault and exchange draft picks (the Hawks 1st for the Flames 3rd). The only other caveat would be one of the prospects would have to be a forward – in other words they could choose Clendening or Johns as one of the prospects but they couldn’t choose Clendening and Johns as the two prospects.
Iginla-Toews-Hossa
Sharp-Bolland-Kane
Saad-Shaw-Stalberg
Bickell-Kruger-Frolik
Just read a report that stated #1 pick and 2 prospects. Uhhh… no thanks. Pass on that deal. Last thing we need is an old, rental RW-er. I’d rather we got a center that can win a fricken faceoff consistently!
I thought Tab already said Iginla plays right wing…He isn’t going to bump Hossa and shouldn’t bump Kane from their spots. I don’t think we do this deal; however, I do like the idea of playing for a veteran who has never won a cup in the playoffs. Would Iginla shift to the left side? That’s a pretty big ask for an established veteran. I could maybe see an Iginla – Sharp – Kane line, maybe…if that were the case I would trade Bolland and if not him only maybe on Frolik or Bickell…I’m not tradking Stalberg.
I like the comment on checking on Roy (but I don’t think Dallas trades him to CHI) or maybe even J. Thornton for center (blast me, I’m ready). I would give up more for what the team needs (#2C) and less for what would be a nice addition (Iginla).
What is everyone’s thought about bringing back Monty to skate on the 4th line (as mentioned by a previous poster in another thread) and keeping everything else as is (Monty plays for Bollig/Mayers/Carcillo)? He would give you the net presence on the power play, will hit, and I would be intrigued what he can give you as a forward for 6-8 minutes regular time. Plus you get to dress your 7th D-Man…
Nope
To the EbonyRaptor: Hawks can only trade players under contract. So K. Hayes & Johns aren’t available
Yes, Uncle Feaster is hands down one of the worst GM’s in the game in my opinion. If you can add Iggy without gutting the minors or without losing some high end prospects I would welcome the move. However, there is another player on the Flames I would also welcome and that would be Matt Stajan. He’s a center man, solid at the dot, can play on the 2nd line and is a plus player on a bum team. I’m hoping the Hawks can add someone to boost a strong team already. I’m already hoping the Hawks would consider add Ott, especially now that Carcillo doesn’t seem to be in the Hawks plans moving forward. Hopefully the Hawks can add another W tonight against the champs!
In the last 12 years, Iginla has averaged just under 400 draws per season at a clip of .524… Can he play the pivot? Even if he can’t, he’s obviously capable of winning important draws when they need it.
I would trade for him because he provides insurance. Hossa, Sharp have not been healthy. He would be an excellent replacement for if one of them goes down. Q would have to juggle the lines, but he’s done that very well in my opinion. It just matters who we have to give up?
Yes. Period. Rental or not. Yes.
There are basic questions that must be answered here…
1. Can the Hawks afford Iginla
2. Does Iginla make this team better.
The answer to these 2 questions is yes. In fact, he even fits moving forward as he is in the last year of his contract making him a rental player (to win a Cup, which should be at all costs) which fits the Hawk’s needs perfectly…we have no cap space or personnel space for next year beyond resigning what we already have and promoting YOUTH!
So, Iginla fits…RP suggests that Iginla is good at the dot…he is…can he play centre? Yes, he can…will he play centre, happily? To win a Cup, YES! In fact, overseas, Iginla is often asked to play centre in the various tournaments and has always looked like a natural. He passes well, and he can score off of a feed…plus he is a strong 2 way hockey player. Again, another huge check.
What about the “competition”…Pittsburg is out, so that leaves the Kings and Bruins…2 teams that we are likely to meet if we want to win the Cup…would you rather have Iginla on their rosters or ours? Its a simple question with a simple answer. Having lived in Calgary for a number of years and owning restaurants that partnered with the Flames, I “know” Jermone somewhat, and I can promise you this, if there was ANY OTHER team in the league that he would love to play for its Chicago. On this I can absolutely guarantee you. So he may very well have stated to Jay to try and make something work with the Hawks…again, another check mark.
Now, what about Uncle Fester…does Chicago meet his needs? The answer is yes…we have the roster player(s) that he would desire, we have a late round first (which is all he would get for Iginla) and we have arguably the best prospect line in the league of READY, or near ready, to play Players. So again, yet another check.
Now, what would it take, the million dollar question…what I am about to say may sound “shocking” but it makes perfect sense…if we offered Calgary, Dave Bolland, Dylan Olsen and our 2nd round pick, they wouldn’t be able to say no. If we had to throw in our first, I would say yes as well. Bolland fits their style and roster for the time being…Olsen is an Alberta boy, having spent a lot of time in Calgary.
Now, how does this affect us? Only positively…Bolland is not playing well currently…his faceoffs have gotten worse this season, not better…his back/health issues have reemerged causing him to miss time. He is NOT a 2nd line Centre, and there is NO ROOM for him on the 3rd or 4th lines…pushing Shaw or Kruger back to make room for Bolland would be ludicrous, especially considering that both Shaw and Kruger are playing solid 2 way, physical games and are both improving as we speak at the dot. Dave Bolland’s time in Chicago has run out. For him to stay anyways, he needed to take that step up to the 2nd line role…he can’t…you don’t skate a dozen games next to Patrick Kane on fire, and not get at least some collateral points!!! Dylan Olsen has no spot in Chicago…the next 2 DMen coming will be Ryan Stanton and Adam Clendening…and it will be some time after that before another spot opens up. As for giving up a first or second round pick, it is no reach to state we can afford this.
At the end of the day, winning another Stanley Cup THIS YEAR is what this organization should be thinking about. Adding Jerome Iginla makes us stand out from the rest of the league, in a year where we have stood out from almost the entire league. Iginla matches up well against Anaheim, LA, Boston or Pittsburg. He has the strength, leadership, physicality, desire, grit and prowess at the dot to put us over the top. In return, we are giving Calgary good players/picks, but these are players/picks we can do without. So to that end, the Hawks should be working hard to make this deal happen and ensure that Iginla does NOT get added to already stacked rosters in LA, Boston or Pittsburg.
I would suggest the lines look like this…
Saad-Toews-Hossa
Sharp-Iginla-Kane
Bickell-Shaw-Stahlberg
Bollig-Kruger-Frolik
You don’t break up that 3rd line for anyone or any amount of money…they are our “ace in the hole”. We would also have two #1 lines, and the best 4th line in the league.
I like the idea of what Sr Brad proposes, but is it realistic? Does Stan & Q want Iginla at the dot? I’d be good with picking up Iginla and also pursuing Roy.
Thoughts?
As Tab pointed out, Iginla plays RW – he shouldn’t push a healthy Hossa or Kane off of the first or second line. I also would not like to see Saad off of the first line. Mostly, I would hate to see the Hawks OVERpay for a rental, so I agree with JB “#1 pick and 2 prospects. Uhhh… no thanks”. (It’s too bad Iginla isn’t a center.)
If the Hawks believe Iginla plays center maybe they *should* make a move (- but NOT “at all costs”). I can see giving up a #1 pick and Pirri and maybe Dylan Olsen (they are not likely to be regulars in Chicago any time soon) if that’s what it takes. Bolland probably isn’t in high demand at the moment?
Well it looks like Pittsburgh is going all in to win it this year. They just traded their 2 this year and a conditional pick in 14 for Douglas Murray.
If Iginla would play center for the rest of this year, then make the deal. Bolland, Olsen and a number 2 for Iginla. Otherwise call Dal for Roy or Buf for Ott.
I doubt Calgary wants either Bolland or Olsen. Bolland’s contract runs through next season and that gives Calgary only one season of Bolland – they don’t need Bolland for one season during a rebuild that will take more than one season. Olsen, at this stage in his development, is at best a #5 d-man, probably more like a #6 or #7 d-man. I doubt that Calgary is too interested.
As for Iginla and faceoffs – he’s taken a lot, even this season, and is pretty good – +50%.
If San Jose is indeed going to be sellers and try to rebuild do you ask about Joe Pavelski? And if they say he’s available what are you willing to give up?
ER, I think Calgary would want both players…at Bolly’s age, his next contract might be his last (at least in his prime) and Calgary has the cap space to sign him to a longer deal, and give them that 2 way centre that can skate against the opposition’s top line. If they made Pirri part of the deal as well, they might well figure that they’ve got the allotment of centres for the next 5 years. Olsen makes sense for them as well, as he is a 1st round pick, that has NHL experience, is having a good season in Rockford and is behind a log jam of stay at home/physical styled DMan in Chicago (see Sebs and Hammer). In about 2 seasons, Olsen projects into a top 4 DMan…he’s from the area and Calgary gets him “lighter” contract now, and an ability to sign him long term.
Dickie…I think the Hawks should be “all out” to win the Cup every year, but especially this one, as we are the class of the league…that won’t happen every year. But I don’t suggest that we give up the farm for Iginla, and there is no way it will take that…even if the Hawks don’t give up a roster player, they can use their 1st rounder and give 2 top prospects (just not Clendening or TT) to make a deal. Moving Bolland just makes sense…we can all agree that he is NOT our 2nd line centre moving forward…he is killing us at the dot, and Kane needs a centre that will win face-offs and maintain puck possession. Plus, moving his $3.3 million contract is necessary to resign Leddy, Stahlberg, Kruger, Shaw and Bickell for next year.
Iginla is the type of strong, physical player that puts us over the top even on teams like ANA, LA, BOS and PIT.
Big Smoke, to get Pavelski, a lot…and he would be worth it! You win with players like that.
No………I agree with those who will take Iginla BUT ONLY if the price is right. Tab is right on….the Hawks can not afford him next year. In my opinion the Hawks should be looking to build an elite team for years to come. Young players, solid farm system, stability of roster should be the focus. YES we want the cup in Chicago, but I do not think we want to trade away the chance for the cup in 14, 15, 16 and beyond. There are only a few roster players I would be willing to part with at this time…….Bickell, Bolig, Carcillo at most.
For the past how many years have the Hawks tried to solidify the center positions? Unless you trade for a roster center, why trade prospect center(s). I would agree with those willing to part with a little more for a Roy or a Pavalski.
Well boys……..a very spirited blog, today. I would love to get Iggy. He’ll be able to play any forward position, too. The guy is a 16 year vet, he can play any place on the ice and be a difference maker. I wouldn’t give up the world for him, but I’d give Bolland and Jimmy Hayes. But I think that The Flames would want young players. Bolland isn’t the Dave Bolland of a few years ago, for some reason.
The other trade out there is Alfedson of Ottawa for Jahlmarrson. I wouldn’t even consider that trade if I were the Hawks. Hammer is playing very well, this year.
Alfredson is a world class player, but at 37, I’d rather have Iggy for a young player, or two.
L.A. is in town, tonight. They haven’t scored since Valentine’s day, either. Let’s get an early lead and beat the snot out of ’em!!
PS………I like the rumors that Frolik will work with Towes and Saad tonite. I think Frolik will step up to the opportunity. His help on the back end will allow Towes and Saad to be more aggressive in the O zone.
After a day of gnashing, Yes, we make this deal only because it is a Cup year. I don’t think the Hawks win the Cup without a healthy Sharp and Hossa, and agree with SP that injuries make them vulnerable. Especially Hoss, he really has had his ailments.
Sr. Brad’s argument is pretty persuasive. Sounds like Iginla wants to be here. I think Calgary will move him out of courtesy to the Captain’s loyal career. They will make the best deal they can with the Hawks and close it.
Hawks are rock solid. Trade only prospects because the chemistry now is so good and Calgary would be stupid to trade for similar UFA’s Bickell or Stahlberg. But go for it.
Sr. Brad – “all out” to win The Cup…I firmly believe that you don’t OVERpay for “rentals”, because you can make any number of “brilliant” moves (…like a couple of 2nd round picks for Douglas Murray or whatever) and still not take home the Cup. Iginla cetering Sharp and Kane seems like it could be a LARGE upgrade for the Cup run, along with 20-19-81, 29-65-25, and 36(yes, winging-it)/39-16-67 rolling. I can understand moving Bolland – I just suggested that his trade value probably isn’t high right now with the season he’s having (and he may be playing hurt?). And, I’m all for keeping Leddy, Stalberg, Kruger, Shaw and Bickell beyond this year.
I guess we’ll find out what Stan Bowman does…
First things first – beat LA
GO HAWKS!!
The Blog is very lively today and I like that a lot. Here is how I feel about some of the Hawks prospects and if they should be moved. The Hawks have a top 10 minor league system according to most prospect sites and have a very deep NHL roster which means a lot of prospects need to be evaluated on the NHL level very soon. Pirri is having a solid year but with Toews, locked in, and Shaw centering a very good 3rd line, where do the Hawks see Pirri playing? Is Pirri a 2nd line center? I still see Danault and to a lesser extent McNeil as better options. As for Olsen I like his size and skill but he is another guy that the Hawks will want to start finding a spot for. The Hawks strength is their D-depth and with Keith and Seabs locked in and Hammer and Oduya paid for the next 2 seasons where does Olsen play, 6th d-man? Leddy will be getting paid shortly, and Adam Cendening has moved past Olsen on the minor league depth chart. So I really hope Stan pushes his chips all in because it look like the true contenders are starting to emerge from the pack in both conferences.
Steve Ott is the perfect fit for the Hawks. Currently 8th in the league in faceoff percentage. He wont cost what Iginla will. Regier has already said anybody on the Sabres roster can be had. Identify the RIGHT guy to fit your need-then go out and ACQUIRE him. Don’t wait for the Christmas rush Bowman.
Iginla gets a resounding no from me. He doesnt fit our needs imo. And I’m guessing the asking price would be totally out of line
They better get someone, because after that display tonight they won’t make it out of the first round again this year. Just terrible.
BigSmokeJ, “after that display tonight they won’t make it out of the first round again this year” – I honestly felt exactly this way the first and third games of the first round in the 2010 playoffs…you never know?
John H. – Steve Ott sounds like it might be a good fit?
*Oggy can play left or center on this team.
List:
Pavelski (is better overall player than Roy and best of these players at FO’s)
Iginla (has taken 320 FO’s this year and is 50%)
Roy (only 47& FO’s, basically the same as bolland and others)
(good natural centerman)
*if we cant get any of those (no teuvo or danault involved) then,
Ott (good at FO’s & really good defensive forward)
Goc (about the same as ott on FO’s & good at defense)
*Ott is a little better overall than Goc…
Ott has that really good checking and strength
I would like the SIZE of Igilna or Ott better than the others.