Jarome Iginla's connection to the Calgary Flames remains as strong as ever, even years after his departure from the ice. Now serving as a special advisor to General Manager Craig Conroy, Iginla is actively involved in shaping the future of the franchise.

Iginla's return to the Flames in an advisory role in 2023 was a significant moment, reuniting him with Conroy, his former teammate. The two were instrumental in the Flames' memorable run to the 2004 Stanley Cup Final. For Iginla, the opportunity to work alongside Conroy was one he looked forward to. He sees his role as providing honest feedback and a different perspective, built on trust and a shared history.

"The thing is, we like to talk hockey all the time anyways," Iginla said in 2023. "Now, we'll just get to talk more hockey". Iginla's responsibilities encompass various aspects of hockey operations, including prospect evaluation, player development, and providing input on potential trades. He works closely with the amateur scouting department, offering his insights on players, particularly forwards.

Iginla's approach to his advisory role is unique. While not a daily fixture at the rink, he remains deeply engaged with the NHL, closely monitoring trends and tracking players across the league. This broader perspective allows him to offer valuable insights to Conroy and the Flames' management team.

Iginla is optimistic about the direction of the Flames, particularly praising Conroy's efforts in restocking the team's prospect pool. He recognizes the importance of developing young talent and is excited about the potential of the Flames' rising stars. "Obviously we're very happy with the players that we got, lots of guys to be really excited about that are talented, that are skilled," Iginla said. He also expressed confidence in the organization's development staff, who are tasked with nurturing these young players and helping them reach their full potential.

Iginla's connection to Calgary extends beyond his role with the Flames. He remains a beloved figure in the city, and his presence is a reminder of the team's rich history and passionate fan base. Iginla played 1,219 games with Calgary, amassing 525 goals and 1,095 points, all franchise records. His number 12 jersey was retired by the Flames in 2019, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020.

As the Flames look to the future, Iginla's experience, knowledge, and passion for the game will undoubtedly be valuable assets. While he may no longer be leading the charge on the ice, his influence on the organization remains significant, helping to shape the next generation of Flames players and contributing to the team's pursuit of a Stanley Cup.