Edmonton Oilers: Is Jarome Iginla a Viable PTO Option

The Edmonton Oilers have the opportunity to add a few more pieces as the season draws closer, and there are still some big names left on the market.

Though Jaromir Jagr is perhaps the most prominent player still available, there is another notable right winger still on the market. Jarome Iginla is a proven scorer and still has a lot to offer, and he may have a lot to offer Edmonton on a professional tryout this year.

The 40-year-old’s numbers declined a bit this past season, as he had 14 goals and 27 points through 80 games split between the Colorado Avalanche and the Los Angeles Kings. In his defence, however, the Avalanche had a rough season, and the Kings lacked a lot of offensive prowess. Considering his time with these two teams, he wasn’t able to perform to his top potential.

Edmonton Oilers

Considering his time with these two teams, he wasn’t able to perform to his top potential, and his production did pick up slightly in the latter part of the season after seeing a chance in scenery; he had three goals and nine points in 19 games with Los Angeles to end the year.

Prior to this season of hardship, Iginla has three straight 20-plus goal and 40-plus point campaigns. his production has remained consistent (with the exception of this year), and he has a lot of scoring potential and prowess.

Iginla and the Oilers

When it comes to looking at how Iginla fits in with Edmonton, one must consider his attributes. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound winger can not only add a lot of size and physicality, but he can score goals and possesses a great shot. His one-timer would work wonders on the top six, and he can add chemistry to any line he is on. In addition, he has great hands and hockey vision, and can also backcheck effectively and stand up for his teammates.

However, as he’s gotten older, he’s lost his stride and speed and needs to prove that he can keep up with the Oilers young lineup. Not only that, but he needs to show that he can be a consistent 20-goal scorer, and that age is just a number.

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If the Oilers do pursue him on a PTO, it would be a low-risk deal for a proven, elite scorer and one of the NHL’s best power forwards. He would add a lot of experience and skill to the roster, and though he may not have the speed, he could prove critics wrong coming into this season.