Iginla Joining an Elite Class of Rookies<\/p>\n
Last season, Utah\u2019s representative at the event was Josh Doan, who went on to split the season between the NHL and the American Hockey League before being packaged with Michael Kesselring in the J.J. Peterka trade<\/a>. Now, it will be Iginla\u2019s turn to spend time with the top rookies in the NHL. Some notable names include Jimmy Snuggerud, Matthew Schaefer, and Ryan Leonard<\/a>, among others.<\/p>\n Iginla spent some time with the Utah organization prior to the 2024-25 season, appearing in some preseason games and the rookie tournament. However, Iginla was returned to the Western Hockey League\u2019s Kelowna Rockets for his second season with the team, where he had produced 84 points in 2023-24.\u00a0<\/p>\n Related: Tij Iginla Carving His Own Path With Utah<\/a><\/p>\n After tallying 32 points in his first 21 games, it was announced that Iginla would undergo hip surgery<\/a>. While it was initially believed that it would only be one surgery to the right side of his hip, he actually received a second one after going under the knife for the left side of his hip in January. Iginla missed the rest of the 2024-25 season, including the World Juniors.<\/p>\n During his time away, Iginla watched a lot of hockey and was in the weight room a lot, regaining his strength. He finally returned to the ice during the Mammoth\u2019s 2025 development camp<\/a>, where he looked great after spending nearly half a year not playing hockey. Even though he was skating around, he wore a non-contact jersey and didn\u2019t play in the camp scrimmage. However, he is expected to be ready for the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n Iginla did sign his entry-level deal <\/a>last July shortly after being drafted, so he will challenge for an NHL spot this season. He will have some challenges thrown his way, though, as most prospects who will also challenge for a spot played a full season last year. It won\u2019t be impossible, though. As mentioned, Iginla looked good during development camp, and if he spent this summer working hard on the ice, it wouldn\u2019t be surprising if he lasts through the entire preseason with the team.<\/p>\n While another season with the Rockets won\u2019t hurt, the goal for Iginla is obviously to make the NHL. He stuck around with the team for quite a bit during the last preseason. Can he make it even longer? That will be answered soon, but for now, it\u2019ll be nice for Iginla to be around other extremely talented players his age at the Rookie Showcase as we inch closer and closer to rookie camp and the start of the NHL season.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a>![\"Tij](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Tij-Iginla-Rockets-1200x800.jpg\")
Tij Iginla, Kelowna Rockets (Image: Tri-City Americans)<\/p>\n![\"Substack](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/THW_Substack_Banner4-e1693132124550-1200x148.jpg\")
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