Could Iginla retire as a Bruin? He may want to.

June 5, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing

(12) tries to gain control of the puck while Boston Bruins defenseman

(21) defends during the third period in game three of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Jarome Iginla became famous to Bruins fans throughout his sixteen year NHL career. He became infamous to Boston fans when a trade that was supposed to land Iginla in Bruins country was shot down by the veteran player in order for him to play with Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.  We were upset, and so were the Bruins. I just assumed the Hockey Gods punished Pittsburgh for poaching by allowing the Bruins to sweep them out of the Eastern Conference Finals.

After all the drama and disaster, I think we were all surprised when Peter Chiarelli took another chance on trying to acquire Iginla for the Black and Gold. I think it was even more astonishing when we got the future Hall of Famer on a performance based contract.  The Bruins general manager was quite pleased with the deal, and how well Iginla was willing to work with a very tough cap year.

“It’s actually a very good gesture by Jarome similar to the one Mark Recchi made two years in a row that is a cap friendly deal,” Chiarelli said after the signing. “He will get the bulk of his compensation in performance bonuses, attainable performance bonuses.” The organization is happy, the fans should be happy, and it’s obvious that Iginla is as well.

Iginla had talked to several recently departed members of the Bruins, and was really hoping to saddle up with the Bruins. “My family and I are very excited to be joining the Bruins organization,” said Iginla.  “I’ve only heard great things from friends who have played there. Andy Ference, [Chuck] Kobasew, [Mark] Recchi amongst many others about the city, the team and the group of players there; I love the way they play.” He was also happy with the deal he had made with Boston.

“[You can] call it a cap friendly [deal], but hopefully it’s one that works out and the team’s happy and my family and I love playing there and, hopefully, it can go longer.” offered Iginla.  “I’m absolutely very thrilled to come and be a part of the Bruins. The experiences of trying to win a Stanley Cup, but it’s also more than that. It’s to try and come and be a part of the team.”

“I’ve heard great things about the city and hopefully things go really well and we have a great year as a team and I’d like to play there longer than one year.”

With a shrinking cap it might not be entirely possible. Most of the Bruins big names are safely locked in next season though. Iginla is a proven winner, and if he is as consistent in Boston as he was in Pittsburgh (ECF series excluded), we could see one of the superstars of hockey end his career in Boston.  It would be another great similarity to Mark Recchi.