With the 65th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Calgary Flames have selected the son of Jarome Iginla, Joe Iginla.
Who is Iginla?
Iginla is a smaller-sized winger who brings a decent amount of skill to the table. Drafted into the WHL by the Edmonton Oil Kings, Iginla spent one and a half seasons with them before being shipped off to the Vancouver Giants.
| Season | League | Team | GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | WHL | Edmonton Oil Kings | 61 | 9 | 7 | 16 |
| 2025-26 | WHL | Edmonton Oil Kings | 37 | 11 | 10 | 21 |
| Vancouver Giants | 22 | 4 | 6 | 10 |
Analyzing the pick
There was shock with this pick, but it felt like Joe Iginla was ending up a Flame regardless. Iginla has a little bit of a scoring touch in his game, possessing a solid shot. He has also shown flashes of an ability to drive the net, engage in puck battles, and softer skills with the puck. There are concerns with consistency and giving a good effort every shift, but the late birthday and family bloodlines bring some intrigue.
What’s next for Iginla?
Looking towards next season, Iginla is very likely to return to the Vancouver Giants and continue to flesh out the raw talent he has.
