Apr 14, 2025 , 12:19 PM
Tij Iginla #12 of the Utah Hockey Club in action against the San Jose Sharks during their preseason game at SAP Center on October 01, 2024 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images).
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
COLE BAGLEY
SALT LAKE CITY – As the Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural NHL season comes to a close, the front office will now turn their attention to offseason affairs which includes the draft, free agency and prospect development. While many of their current prospects aren’t quite ready for the NHL, it’s important to understand the timelines, strengths, and areas of improvement for players like Tij Iginla.
Iginla is an 18-year-old forward from Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
Before joining his local WHL team, Iginla was drafted ninth overall by the Seattle Thunderbirds where he spent two seasons prior to being traded to the Kelowna Rockets.
Once acquired by Kelowna, the move springboarded Iginla’s journey to the NHL Draft as he flourished for the Rockets during the 2023-24 season.
In 64 appearances, Iginla absolutely scorched opposing nets with 47 goals and 37 assists.
This caught the attention of numerous NHL scouts and Iginla skyrocketed up draft boards from a second or third-round projection to a first-round pick.
Following a great showing during Utah’s inaugural training camp last fall, Iginla returned to his junior squad and picked up right where he left off.
Despite only appearing in 21 games before undergoing season-ending hip surgery, Iginla still finished with 14 goals and 18 assists (8th most points on the team).
Related: Utah Hockey Club: Tij Iginla To Miss Remainder Of Junior Season Following Hip Surgery
He also had the second-best points per game average with 1.52 points per contest.
Despite only playing in 21 games for Kelowna this year before season ending hip surgery, Iginla still finished 8th on the team 14G & 18A.
He was also 2nd with 1.52 PPG.
He can flat out put the puck in the back of the net.pic.twitter.com/dPO7cfWktA
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 14, 2025
Looking back at last year’s draft, Iginla was argaubly one of the best all-around players selected in the first round.
Not only can he consistently score in a plethora of ways, but he has remarkably skilled hands which allows him to weave through defenders quickly.
He also keeps his head on a constant swivel and possesses elite awareness that puts him in dangerous positions.
While he may not be the fastest, Iginla is able to maintain good speed with the puck and quickly changes directions.
His body control also allows him to protect the puck when pressured and consistently reach the net despite being bothered by one or more defensemen.
“When he played, he was great. He was everything we asked for so we’re extremely excited about him,” General Manger Bill Armstrong said.
“I like his goal scoring…that’s what you truly love about him. But he also has the ability to think quick with the puck and make plays.”
For any young player, especially an 18-year-old, the biggest adjustment required at the NHL level is the size and speed of the game.
Learning what it takes to beat towering defenseman and goaltenders by thinking quicker, moving the puck more efficiently and battling for position.
Additionally, based on some of his preseason performances this past season, Iginla will need to learn how to play more effectively inside the defensive zone.
As a young offensive minded player, top-tier defense has never been a requirement.
However, once he makes the transition, every player has to contribute defensively which means he’ll need to improve his positioning and stick presence.
The most important thing for Iginla right now is getting healthy.
Following what will be nine months of rehab post-surgery, Iginla is expected to be healthy for training camp and will have an opportunity to compete for a spot.
“I know how hard he’s going to work to come back from injury and we’ll go step-by-step with him, game-by-game and see where he’s at,” Armstrong added.
“I know how bad he wants to get back and try to compete for a job in the NHL.”
Given his talent, drive and recovery process, there’s no reason to limit what he might be able to do.
So, as Iginla returns and prepares for training camp this fall, he’ll be given a shot to earn a spot.
If he needs more time in the juniors, so be it.
But there’s no reason to count him out entering camp.
The Utah Hockey Club will now face the Nashville Predators on Monday night at Bridgestone Arena. The game can be viewed on SEG+. Fans can also tune in on air on the KSL Sports APP or on 97.5 and 1280 The Zone. Click here for the full schedule.
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