3 reasons Iginla's a lock for the Hall of Fame

Colorado Avalanche forward Jarome Iginla hit the six-century mark in goals Monday night.

Related: Avalanche's Iginla scores 600th career goal

Though the goal itself was not one of his most dazzling displays, it was only the latest milestone in an incredible career. The 38-year-old has been an ambassador of the game and the definition of class while dominant on the ice in his time, and can expect to eventually be welcomed into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Here are three reasons why Iginla is a lock for the Hall:

Ranks among the game's best

When Iginla collected his 600th goal Monday (thanks to a little help from Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jake Muzzin), he became just the 19th player in NHL history to reach the mark.

He also moved within a goal of Hall of Famer Jari Kurri. His pace so far this season should see him collect another 11 goals, which would him move up the list of the league's all-time scorers to 16th place, one ahead of Bobby Hull.

He sits 25 goals behind Joe Sakic for 15th all time, while Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr is the only current player with more goals than Iginla.

Iginla is 37th on the all-time scoring list with 1,247 points. If he continues his first-half rate of production in the second half of the season, he should pass Jean Ratelle for 36th.

He has the hardware to prove it

If there's a single obvious reason that Iginla deserves a Hall of Fame ring, it's this one: He's collected nearly every trophy encased at the Hall of Fame besides Lord Stanley's chalice.

He's been a first-team All-Star on three occasions, played in six All-Star Games, collected two Olympic gold medals with Canada, and won a World Hockey Championship, a World Cup of Hockey, and a World Junior Hockey Championship for good measure.

During his time with the Calgary Flames, the team also recognized him with the Ralph T. Scurfield Humanitarian Award and the J.R. McCaig Award for respect, courtesy, and compassion, in case anyone still doubted his character.

He's not done yet

What's actually somewhat alarming - and should further sway the selection committee - is the fact Iginla continues to play at a respectable level at 38.

Iginla sits at 11 goals and 21 points through 40 games, on pace to hit the 20-goal mark for the 16th time. He averages over three minutes of power-play time per game and has collected five of his goals and nine of his points with the man advantage.

He's clearly unlikely to replicate his former 50-goal performance, but remains an important part of the the Avalanche, and an even more important member of the league.

Iginla has another year on his contract. Barring an injury or a sudden change of heart, there is no reason to think he won't suit up for a 20th season next year.