NHL Trade Speculation: Seven Destinations for Jarome Iginla

Jarome Iginla has been the face of the Calgary Flames since joining them in a draft-day trade in 1995.

He excited the electric Saddledome crowd when led the team to the Finals in 2004 and was monumental in the team's late-season playoff push despite the team's front office troubles.

However, the Flames have the league's third-highest payroll due to excessive spending by former GM Darryl Sutter.

In order to shed salary and start a youth movement in Alberta, the Flames may look to deal Iginla, who has two years left on his contract that have a cap hit of $7 million per year.

The following are seven suitable destinations for the forward next year.

All numbers provided by CapGeek.com.

New Jersey Devils

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NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 30: Ilya Kovalchuk #17 of the New Jersey Devils scores at 4:17 of the first period against the New York Islanders at the Prudential Center on March 30, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

2011-12 projected cap room: $7,222,500

Players signed: 17

The Devils have a higher payroll than the Sharks, Blackhawks, and Kings, but appear to be all-in after signing Ilya Kovalchuk to a blockbuster deal last season.

Adding Jarome Iginla may give them the boost needed to build off their strong finish this season.

Phoenix Coyotes

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GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 24: Ray Whitney #13 of the Phoenix Coyotes watches from the bench during the NHL game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Jobing.com Arena on March 24, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Blue Jackets 3-0. (Photo by

2011-12 projected cap room: $29,631,250

Players signed: 13

The Coyotes have a lot of cap room to wiggle around with and were willing to spend on aging forward Ray Whitney last season.

However, Iginla may be worth more than the bankrupt 'Yotes can afford.

His cap hit of $7 million is just shy of the amount Phoenix spent on both Whitney and captain Shane Doan last year.

Boston Bruins

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BOSTON, MA - APRIL 16: Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins reacts after Yannick Weber #68 of the Montreal Canadiens scored the third goal of the game in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garde

2011-12 projected cap room: $7,197,024

Players signed: 18

The Bruins have most of their roster set for next season.

However, with just enough room to squeeze Iginla in (with a player traded or two) Boston may be looking for a quick-fix -- especially if they are eliminated in the first round this season.

Toronto Maple Leafs

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OTTAWA, CANADA - APRIL 2: Phil Kessel #81 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his goal with teammate Dion Phaneuf #3 in a game against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place on April 2, 2011 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freesty

2011-12 projected cap room: $21,210,000

Players signed: 14

There are many Leafers who demand a big-name acquisition in the offseason and bringing Iginla to Toronto may win GM Brian Burke some gratitude with his fanbase.

While quick fixes are ill-advised for a Leafs team that needs time to gel, Iginla is a great leader and still productive late in his career.

Washington Capitals

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 22: Scott Hannan #23 of the Washington Capitals skates during an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 22, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

2011-12 projected cap room: $8,503,205

Players signed: 18

Depending on how veteran acquisitions Scott Hannan and Jason Arnott help this team in the playoffs, the Caps may be willing to pony up for Iginla in the offseason.

Iginla would add scoring depth and a great locker room presence in Washington.

Anaheim Ducks

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ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 13: Saku Koivu #11 and Teemu Selanne #8 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrate Selanne's third period goal against the Nashville Predators in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda C

2011-12 projected cap room: $9,629,167

Players signed: 17

The Ducks have ample cap space for Iginla and the Teemu Selanne era (and Saku Koivu tenure) in the OC is closing quickly.

Iginla would tie some loose ends for the team and allow the franchise to capitalize on the recognition they are getting in the playoffs this season.

Dallas Stars

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 02: Brad Richards #91 of the Dallas Stars skates against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on April 2, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

2011-12 projected cap room: $20,728,333

Players signed: 17

If Brad Richards leaves Dallas in free agency, the Stars may look to add Iginla in the offseason.

His price tag is $8,000 smaller and it would bring the superstar back to the franchise that originally drafted him in 1995.