NHL Trade Rumors: 8 Teams Still Looking to Land Jarome Iginla at the Deadline

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One of the big names that swirled around trade rumors both at last year's deadline and this summer was Jarome Iginla. 

Once again Iginla's name is surfacing among trade talks as it looks like the Calgary Flames will have to soon begin a rebuilding process.

Couple the fact that his contract stretched through the 2012-2013 season and that he is still very productive, It will likely take a lot to land Iginla. Another concern for possible suitors will be his $7 million cap hit. That could take a few teams out of the picture.

Whether he actually gets dealt remains to be seen, but there are several teams hoping for the opportunity to land the star forward.

Dallas Stars

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This one may not be as far-fetched as some may think. With the departure of Brad Richards, the Dallas Stars have the cap space and an opening for a big time scorer to complement the likes of Jamie Benn and Mike Ribiero. 

If the Dallas Stars remain in the playoff mix, when the deadline approaches they'll be looking to upgrade so why not go after the biggest name who could be on the market?

Edmonton Oliers

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Admittingly, this one is a bit of a strech. However, Jarome Iginla grew up idolizing Grant Fuhr and the Edmonton Oilers so if he cannot finish his career in Calgary, he'd love nothing more than to play on his childhood favorite team.

The Oilers would certainly have the trading pieces to work out a deal; they would just need to clear out a little cap space. With already possessing what is currently the league's best goaltending, acquiring a proven scorer like Iginla could put them over the top.

The question would become: Would the Oilers mortgage away part of their future to win now?

Buffalo Sabres

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The Buffalo Sabres were one of the teams linked to Jarome Iginla last year. If they were to pull off a trade, for the star forward some major cash dollars would have to be cleared away.

The salaries of soon-to-be free agents Jochen Hecht and Brad Boyes would have to come off of the books to free up the $7 million in cap space need to acquire Iginla. 

Likely, one of those two would get packaged in a deal to Calgary, while the other gets traded in a separate deal. Another possible option would be to work out a three-team trade.

Los Angeles Kings

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Last year, the Los Angeles Kings were a part of some of the hottest Jarome Iginla trade rumors. Although it'd be a little more difficult now, they'd still welcome Iginla to LA with open arms.

A trade with Calgary would likely involve Dustin Penner. Most importantly, it would free up cap space to facilitate the trade and the Flames could easily walk away from Penner at the year's end as he is slated to be a UFA. Secondly, Penner hasn't fared well in Los Angeles, and a trade would be the best for he and the Kings organization.

The Kings already went out and acquired a top center in Mike Richards so Iginla would finally have that to look forward to. 

Anaheim Ducks

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Another team in central California who would love to have Jarome Iginla are the Ducks. One of their biggest problems is getting scoring production away from their big four (Teemu Selanne, Bobby Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry).

Imagine adding Jarome Iginla to the mix. 

To make it happen they'd have to dump one of their expiring contracts (they'd love to get rid of Jason Blake and his $4-million cap hit). 

Montreal Canadiens

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The Montreal Canadiens have gotten off to a slow start this season, partly because of the play of their forwards. They'd love to shake things up.

The Canadiens would need to clear out over $5.5 million in cap space, but it could be possible because they have a number of soon-to-expire contracts. 

Jarome Iginla would be a welcome addition to their poor power play unit. 

Toronto Maple Leafs

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The Toronto Maple Leafs were one of the teams that lost out in the Brad Richards sweepstakes that would love make up for it by acquiring Iginla.

The Toronto Maple Leafs may have a difficult time shifting contracts to make space for a deal, but if there is a way to make it happen they would certainly find a way.

Brian Burke has been shy about going after players he wants. Is anyone still questioning that Phil Kessel deal?

Boston Bruins

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The Boston Bruins are off to a very slow start from what seems to be a Stanley Cup hangover. The best remedy for this would be bringing in an extremely hungry player like Jarome Iginla. He would surely ignite the locker room.

He would add scoring depth to the regular lineup and also provide assistance to the team's struggling power play unit.

To make the deal work, the team would have to move some contracts such as those of Joe Corvo and Chris Kelly.