Life in Calgary will go on without Jarome Iginla, who the Flames sent to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a massive blockbuster trade late Wednesday night.
The first game without Iginla, the club’s former captain who had played in Calgary for 16 regular seasons, produced a loss for the Flames, as they were defeated 6-4 by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
But after 16 seasons, 1,219 games, 525 goals and 1,095 points in a Flames uniform - not to mention a trip to the 2004 Stanley Cup Final - a video tribute was necessary.
"He deserves every clap, every stick tap, every cheer." - Stajan on the fan reaction to the #ThankYouIggy video
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) March 30, 2013
With Iginla gone, the captaincy is now vacant, however the Flames will wait until the summer to announce a replacement.
Iginla needed a work visa to play in the U.S., and, as per NHL.com, that issue has been resolved, which means he is expected in Pittsburgh on Saturday.