Today the Calgary Flames announced the re-signing of captain Jarome Iginla to a 5 year contract extension worth 35 million dollars. "You have to think about free agency a little bit, to be honest. But when I talked to my wife (Kara), we have family that is close to Calgary, the city is great. But one of the biggest things is winning. Here, there is a chance to win and that's what you want. So, in the end, it wasn't even close. We're excited to be staying in Calgary," said Iginla. I cant express how excited and how happy I am about this signing.
Iginla will be entering his 11th season with the Flames. Last season Iginla posted a team high 39 goals and 94 points while playing in only 70 games. As a member of the Flames, Iginla is 2nd in goals (324), 3rd in games played (778) and points (664), and 4th in assists (340) all time.
I think Iginla is a piece of the puzzle that will take us closer to winning the Stanley Cup. He is one of the best captains in the whole NHL and that leadership along with his skill is what make Jarome Iginla so valuable. Even with all the rumors about players not being able to play for our new coach Mike Keenan, Iggy and Regehr have shown that it shouldn't matter who the coach is just go out and play, as the captain and assistant captain hopefully other players will follow and sign contracts and contract extensions with the Calgary Flames. The best thing about Iginla's deal is that he took a pay-cut, he makes the same amount of money but he is not making the highest dollar possible a player can make for each team. That will help the Flames down the road stay completive, Robyn Regehr did the same thing and his deal was simply a deal. Iginla wants to win in Calgary and will do anything to do that. "The excitement about hockey, you don't get that in every city. And, as a player, when you get older, you realize that it doesn't last forever. We want to win now."-Iginla.
Iginla has also won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard trophy twice, the Lester B. Pearson, the Art Ross trophy and the King Clancy trophy. Iginla has also represented Canada, winning a World Junior gold medal, a World Championship, the World Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal. Iginla also won 2 Memorial Championships while with the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL.
I am so glad Iggy will be around with the Flames for the next 5 years. He is the face of the Flames and like I said he is one of the best captains, players and class acts in the NHL. Now hopefully we can now capture what the whole city of Calgary wants, a Stanley Cup.
....Also the Calgary Flames announced the signing of C/W Grant Stevenson to a 1 year contract. Stevenson played for the San Jose Sharks farm team last year, posting 39 points in 59 games. This signing is for depth purposes.
No comments:
Post a Comment