NHL Draft Prospects
Blackhawks Draft Prospect: Sizing Up Tij Iginla
The Chicago Blackhawks have two first-round picks, one at #2 and the other at #18. While it will likely be the pick of Artyom Levshunov or Ivan Demidov at number two, who could they take at that 18th spot or potentially trade up a few more spots to snag? Chicago Hockey Now’s Future Blackhawks Prospect will feature a handful of prospects at that spot until the 2024 NHL Draft. Today, we look at Tij Iginla.
Tij Iginla At A Glance
Forward
17 years old (7/1/06)
Games: 64
Goals-Assists-Points: 47-37-84
League/Team: WHL/Kelowna Rockets
Tij Iginla is a member of the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL. He is also the son of legendary NHL forward Jarome Iginla. The elder Iginla is in the Hall of Fame as he was one of the greatest power forwards in the history of the sport.
Like his father, Iginla is a player who doesn’t mind contact on the ice. He brings a lot of physicality with his offensive game which includes both sniping and playmaking.
Yes, Tij has a family legacy that he’d like to live up to but he earned this draft status. People don’t only want him because of his father’s accomplishments. He is a top prospect because he is one of the best young players in the world and has been rising into what looks like a top-ten pick.
The pedigree to be great is in his blood. His skills match the necessary level to make it big in the NHL.
Will Tij Iginla Be There for the Blackhawks?
Not a lot of people foresee the Chicago Blackhawks taking Tij Iginla with the second overall pick although there have been scouting reports that suggest it could be a good idea. We’ll know in a few years if it was a good idea to pass up on him that early or not.
With the 18th overall pick, there is a good chance that he won’t be there at that time. The Hawks would need to probably trade up again if they wanted to grab a player like this. If he falls to them somehow without a trade, they have to run up to the podium to select him.
Chicago has the assets to trade up and get Tij Iginla if they don’t want to leave Vegas without him. He is a great offensive player with talent that can develop into a star. Thinking about him on a line with Connor Bedard could be enough to pull off a big draft day trade and that is probably what it will take to select this player.
