Jarome Iginla eyes NHL Return

Don’t call it a comeback.

Well…ok, maybe you can?

Four months after hip surgery, NHL legend Jarome Iginla joined the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League for practice Tuesday. The 40-year-old forward who has scored 625 NHL goals said he isn’t quite ready to retire.

“I’d love to still play,”  Iginla told the Providence Journal.

“This is kind of the first step, getting out here and seeing how it is. … I wanted to see if I can still go. I don’t have any deals at this point.”

Iginla, who bought a home in Brookline, Massachusetts last spring, is no stranger to the Bruins organization. Iginla played one season for the Boston Bruins in 2013-14.

According to the Providence Journal’s Mark Divver, Iginla’s participation in Providence’s practice is not necessarily an indicator of the Boston Bruins’ interest in signing him. A source from the Bruins told Divver that this is more likely a favor to an ex-Bruin, who currently lives in Boston. It should be noted, however, that the team did not deny interest in signing him, either.

Still Something Left?

Iginla had 27 points (14 goals, 13 assists) in 80 games with the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings last season. He played for the Bruins in 2013-14 and had 61 points (30 goals, 31 assists) in 78 games.

Iginla would have to sign with a team before the 2018 NHL Trade Deadline, which is Feb. 26 at 3 p.m. ET, to be eligible to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Perhaps Iginla heard that 40-year old athletes tend to do quite well in Boston, as of late?? (see, Brady, Tom)

Only time will tell.

–Mike D’Abate is a Managing Editor and National Columnist for Full Press Coverage Sports Media. He covers the National Football League and the National Hockey League. Follow him on Twitter @mdabateFPC