The Calgary Flames are no strangers to the name Iginla, and it’s safe to say that they would love to have that name stitched on the back of a Flames jersey again. Tij Iginla is tearing up the WHL right now, putting up 32 goals, 25 assists, and 57 points in 47 games played. Tij recently played in the CHL Top Prospect’s game and shined—he was even named the player of the game for his team.
Igina is getting more and more attention as his season rolls along, so that begs the question, how high would you draft Tij Iginla? We asked, you answered.
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Reader responses
We presented the below poll to our readers.
Picks #1–8
The second most-voted-for option has Tij Iginla ranked as one of the best players available in the draft. Right now, the Flames are on track to have the ninth overall pick; however, if they do in fact sell at the deadline, they may be able to collect more assets to move up in the draft if they so choose.
It would not be surprising to see Tij Iginla rise into the top 10 of most rankings by the end of the season. Many had Iginla as a late first-round pick at the beginning of the year, however, he has climbed up the list ever since.
Picks #8–16
Most voters believe this is the range where Iginla will be taken. This is in line with our rankings as well as he is currently ranked 14th per our consolidated NHL Draft rankings. This would be perfect for the Flames in my opinion. I have seen this film too many times, where the Flames end up with a mid-first-round draft pick.
The Flames would feel much more comfortable if Iginla is in within this range, as it is much more likely that they will be able to select him. Additionally, this draft is loaded with many defencemen projected to go in the top 10. Most rankings have either four or five defencemen in that range, which could let Iginla fall into the Flames’ lap if some teams draft based on positional need.
Picks #16–24
Based on the trajectory that Tij Iginla’s draft stock has gone during the season, I believe it would take a significant slowdown in production for Iginla to fall around this range. It looks like most readers agree as only 15% of voters selected this option. I believe that if the Flames can grab Iginla after pick 16, I would consider that a steal.
Picks #24–32
What a gift this would be for the Flames. Either Iginla would have to just stop playing hockey games, or GMs would have to ignore his scouting report for him to drop this low. It won’t happen, and it looks like our readers know that as only 4% of votes went to this option.
Iginla must become a Flame
Fans know that Macklin Celibrini is the consensus #1 player on the board, however for Flames fans, when they think with their heart, it seems like #2 is Tij Iginla. Iginla as a hockey player is incredibly skillful, and it is the type of skill that the team needs. Also, the storyline would be incredible. Craig Conroy has one mission this upcoming draft, and it’s to get a Calgary Flames Iginla jersey back in the locker room in the Saddeldome.
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