As you know by this point, this is where I put on my General Manager hat and look at the teams that either could come calling or would be attractive trade partners. So, if you think something is amiss or want to comment on my choices, feel free to do so, but give reasons for it.
BOSTON BRUINS: Yes, the Bruins are near the salary cap ceiling like the Flames, but they are also a lot closer to a Stanley Cup than the Flames at this point. Prospects like Malcolm Subban would be a sticking point, and it is likely we would have to take a third or fourth liner, too.
DALLAS STARS: Imagine the irony of Iginla going back to the team that drafted him. Now, imagine Iginla providing a do-everything presence that could take the pressure off of Jamie Benn, not to mention durability that Brenden Morrow wishes he had. Any of goaltenders (Jack Campbell, Christoper Nilstorp, or Richard Bachman) and a reclamation project in Scott Glennie could be potential returns.
LOS ANGELES KINGS: Yes, the Kings would be taking on more money, but they also have some prospects we'd be interested in. Assuming the Kings are willing to part with Jonathan Bernier, we'd be willing to listen to the Kings. Of course, we would need to take some money in return, so perhaps a veteran like Anthony Stewart, who isn't even guaranteed playing time in L.A. right now, would be a logical choice. A defensive prospect would be nice here, too.
NASHVILLE PREDATORS: Iginla could slide into the Predators' system and not miss a beat. While the depth on the blue line is being tested like no other season, it is worth looking into for the Flames to think about a prospect there. We could also take a veteran back, as well, seeing as Shea Weber has that huge contract hanging over the Preds' heads.
OTTAWA SENATORS: With Jason Spezza out for two months, this is a chance for the Sens to think about picking up a player that could help out on offense. Obviously, this is going to be dependent on whether the Sens feel confident that Iginla can handle center duties and whether the Sens offer the right package. Ideally, either Ben Bishop or Robin Lehner and any from the likes of Stefan Noesen, Matt Puempel, Mark Stone, and Stephane Da Costa would be attractive options.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS: It's been a well known fact that the Pens need wingers other than James Neal, and with their surplus of defensemen, it's possible we could be asking for any among Scott Harrington, Joe Morrow, and Derrick Pouliot, as well as a veteran like Eric Tangradi, for example.
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: Tampa Bay seems to be one or two pieces away from being contenders, and Iginla could be that guy. It is likely we could be asking for either Dustin Tokarski or Jaroslav Janus and a lower level prospect at forward.
WASHINGTON CAPITALS: Yes, the Capitals lack depth at center, and Iginla isn't the best option there. However, he could very well be the kick in the ass that the Caps need, as they struggle to score goals, and none could benefit from Iginla's presence more than Alex Ovechkin. The asking price: prospects in goal and the blue line.
As you can see, I've listed eight teams that could best utilize Iginla's skill set and possibly provide the Flames with a best chance at helping their future prospects. All of this is assuming the Flames do go in this direction, which is not likely because the Flames' front office is stubborn in its belief that they're playoff contenders. However, being a playoff contender is not enough; and by rebuilding, the Flames could be so much more.
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