Should the Boston Bruins resign 36 year old veteran Jarome Iginla? Probably. Is it entirely possible? Perhaps not.
All of the players who adorned the black and gold this season will be well and truly away from TD Garden right now, doing something off-seasonish like playing golf, going on vacation or spending time with loved ones, basically enjoying the off-season. But for the Bruins front office, they will more than likely remain at work, planning for another run at lord Stanley’s cup next season.
As Peter Chiarelli and co do so, one of the primary aims for the B’s front office is going to be dealing with the Jarome Iginla situation. Unfortunately for the Bruins, it might be a case of ‘if’ we can resign Iginla, rather than should, right now.
The long time Calgary Flames captain and no doubt future hall of famer, was a huge success in Boston this season, whether people like the guy or not, he can still get it done. Iginla was arguably Bostons best player during this campaign, especially offensively. ‘Iggy’ racked up 30 goals for the B’s, 31 helpers and a plus-minus of +34. This placed Iginla 3rd in points for his team, behind David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron.
Whenever you look at his one season in Boston, you can’t help but ooze with positives, whether its how greatly he suited being on a line with Milan Lucic, or how he straight up suited Boston style hockey; playing hard and being physical. Maybe it was the simple fact that he looks good in a Bruin uniform. So why the hell wouldn’t you want a guy like this on your team?
Well, Jarome Iginla did all of that under a small, one year contract, filled with bonuses. Due to Iginla’s successful season, he met those bonuses, which count against 2014-15 cap space, giving Boston even less to use next season. As nice a guy as he is, will he be willing to take a slightly lesser contract a second time round, when he knows he could receive a big offer from somewhere else, who also has a shot at winning it all?
We know the desire is still there within the player, we know the Boston Bruins window of opportunity is still wide open. We also know Iginla loved playing in Boston, and Boston loved having Iginla. So maybe, just maybe he’ll consider taking a contract he may not necessarily want, due to the fact he clicked with his linemates so well… Right?
The only other burning thought within the Bruins organization is how badly they need a speed threat once again. They got burned by the hated Montreal Canadiens too many times to not notice a weakness in a pretty impenetrable system.
Perhaps Boston pass on the veteran, and trade up for a speed threat? Save cap space, ship a few guys off, bring in some pace. This is great thinking, but where would this player come from? The possibilities are there, but a speed threat doesn’t suit a line which score goals, and beat you up in the process. The idea of speed is something to definitely dwell on, but not on the line of Milan Lucic, David Krejci and Jarome Iginla.
In all fairness, its a no brainer. There’s no doubt the Bruins should try to resign Iginla, he brings so much to a team that nearly has it all. He made a great line an outstanding line, and bettered an already contending team. Let’s all just hope he wants to stay, and that the front office can get it done, and keep Iggy in black and gold… Bruins black and gold, of course.
