Colorado Avalanche: Winners And Losers Of 2014-15

Loser: Jarome Iginla

Mar 26, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Colorado Avalanche forward Jarome Iginla (12) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Eddie Lack (31) during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

This one may be surprising. Did I not just mention Iginla as the team’s best scorer? Is Iginla not close to scoring 30 goals for the 13th time straight (no-lockout seasons)?

Well, yes. All that is true. But remembering why Iginla is here, it all becomes clear. Iginla played for a losing team in Calgary — but entering his late 30s, he really wants to win the Cup . So, he demands to be traded to Pittsburgh. The Penguins get kicked out of the playoffs by the Bruins. Where does the free agent play the year after? Oh right, Boston. But again, he gets knocked out of the playoffs — this time by the Rangers. However, Iginla decides to go back to the West this time around. After all, the Colorado Avalanche has just won the Central Division. They have lots of talent on their roster! Well, we all know how that went.

Iginla came to Colorado to win the Cup. Okay, the 16 million Dollars that he makes over the three years with Colorado may have been part of the decision. But Iginla is one of the greatest goal-scorers the NHL has ever had — and one of the greatest goal-scorers obviously wants to eat his cereal out of the Stanley Cup one day. Maybe one day, who knows. But not this year in Colorado.

Next: Avs Prospect Watch: Euro League

Loser: Jarome Iginla

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