Wayne Gretzky is someone who can relate to what Jarome Iginla and Calgary fans are going through.
Like Iggy, number 99 was the face of his franchise and had never played for another NHL team when he was traded almost 25 years ago.
Gretzky reacted to the Iginla trade Thursday morning at an athletic scholarship breakfast in Red Deer.
“Let me tell you, it’s hard. It’s not easy, especially for a guy like Jarome who’s beloved in Calgary. He’s been a big part of their community, a big part of their organization, a big part of the city. So it’s a little bit of culture shock when he leaves.”
But while many Flames fans mourn Iginla’s departure, Gretzky says it could turn out well for Iginla himself.
“When he gets into it, looking down that bench and seeing Crosby and Malkin, that will be pretty good for him.”
Gretzky believes Iginla, who was born and raised in Alberta, will remain a part of the Calgary community in the off-season.
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