2024 NHL Draft Profile: Tij Iginla

Adam Kierszenblat

Jun 25, 2024, 18:18

Adam Kierszenblat

Jun 25, 2024, 18:18

A deep dive into 2024 NHL Draft prospect and Kelowna Rockets' forward Tij Iginla.

The WHL is set to play a significant role in this year's 2024 NHL Draft. 57 players were included on NHL Central Scouting's final rankings, with a handful expected to be drafted in the first round. Today's draft profile is of Kelowna Rockets' Tij Iginla, who enters the draft as the ninth-ranked North American Skater.

Iginla is one of the most electrifying prospects in this draft class. The son of Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, Tij had a season to remember, scoring 47 goals and being named to the BC First All-Star Team. A player that has shot up draft lists as the season progressed, he has developed into a can't miss prospect who can be a game-breaker in the NHL.

The offensive zone is where Iginla thrives. He has an incredible shot and can beat goaltenders from anywhere in the zone. Iginla also has a knack for finding open ice and keeping his stick in shooting position so that he can get shots quickly from dangerous areas.

Iginla has also developed into a phenomenal playmaker. He can find teammates through sticks and bodies while delivering tape-to-tape passes to create scoring chances. Iginla is also great at touch passes, which can help pull defenders out of position while allowing teammates to collect pucks at full speed.

As for the transition game, Iginla is a player who loves to have the puck on his stick. He collects passes and often opts to carry the puck into the offensive zone himself. Iginla is able to do this with ease, as he can get past defenders by pulling off highlight-reel moves.

The next step in Iginla's development will be learning to utilize his teammates a little bit more. He tends to try and do everything himself, which works at the WHL level but could cause problems in the NHL. Iginla is already a great playmaker; now he has to take that skill to the next level.

Heading into the draft, there is little debate that Iginla is a top-ten player this year. He is not just dynamic offensively but can play a physical brand of hockey while also being defensively sound. Ultimately, he has the potential to be a top-six forward at the NHL level and carve out a successful career just like his dad. Now, we wait and see if he will be drafted in the top ten and gain bragging rights over his Hall of Fame dad, who was selected 11th overall in 1995.

Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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