Skip to content

Brian Burke: Flames signed Jagr over Iginla last season

Mike Ridewood / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Jarome Iginla officially announced his retirement Monday after 20 seasons, but former Calgary Flames president of hockey operations Brian Burke stole some of the spotlight with a surprising revelation.

While joining the broadcast panel covering Iginla's retirement, Burke indicated to Sportsnet's Faizal Khamisa that a reunion between Iginla and the Flames was nearly in the works last season with the then free agent before Calgary ultimately landed on Jaromir Jagr.

The Flames signed Jagr in October, but a nagging groin injury limited the Czech superstar to just 22 appearances, in which he was held to one goal and six assists.

Iginla didn't suit up last season after splitting the 2016-17 campaign between the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings.

While a homecoming wasn't in the cards for Iginla, he hangs up his skates as the Flames' all-time leader in games played (1,219), goals (525), and points (1,095).

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox