Tij Iginla isn’t shying away from the expectations that come with being a top draft pick.
After finally putting together a healthy season and taking another big step in his development, the Utah Mammoth prospect believes he’s ready for the next challenge. With training camp a couple of months away, Iginla said his focus is simple: earn a spot in the NHL.
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“It was great to be back for a full season and be healthy,” Iginla said during Utah’s development camp. “You never want to go through injuries, but hopefully that’s behind me. I felt like it was a good season, and I got a lot better. That’s always been my mentality, just to keep getting better and growing every day.”
The 19-year-old isn’t pointing to one major change that’s elevated his game. Instead, he says it’s been the accumulation of little things.
Iginla has spent part of his offseason skating with projected first-overall pick Gavin McKenna, paying close attention to the small details that can separate good players from great ones.
“Sometimes getting better isn’t about something big,” Iginla said. “It’s picking up little things, whether it’s a change of direction or another movement that a player does well. I’m just trying to keep adding those little details to my game.”
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Asked if he feels ready to play in the NHL after two years in Utah’s system, Iginla didn’t hesitate.
“I do,” he said. “I think I’m ready. I’m looking forward to a big summer of training and pushing myself hard in the gym, but I feel ready.”
That confidence comes from more than just his own progress. Watching players around his age make an impact in the NHL has only reinforced his belief that he belongs in that conversation.
“I believe in the work I’ve put in and how much I’ve improved,” Iginla said. “You see some of the young guys around the league, whether it’s teammates from World Juniors or guys you’ve played against, having success. It makes you feel like that could be you too.”
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Iginla isn’t interested in sharing every goal he’s written down for next season, but he had no problem revealing the biggest one.
“My goal is definitely to make the team,” he said.
Before training camp arrives, he’ll spend another week around many of the organization’s top prospects during development camp, something he says has become one of his favorite parts of the summer.
“It’s super fun to see the guys,” Iginla said. “This is my third year now, so I know most of them, and it’s great welcoming the new draft picks. You get to compete, learn from each other and have some fun away from the rink too.”
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The week was also memorable away from hockey. Just one day before speaking with reporters, Iginla watched his younger brother hear his name called at the NHL Draft.
“We were all really excited for him,” Iginla said. “He’s worked really hard, and it was great to see him have that moment.”
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