Best Player in Flames History

This is a debate that constantly simmers among we Flames fans on the Internet -- who is the best player to ever pull on the Flaming 'C'? Now that Jarome Iginla is poised to pass Theo Fleury as the all-time leading scorer, many will be deciding that title in Jarome's favour. But I'm not so sure.

Iggy is easily the most complete player we've ever had -- a delicious blend of leadership, skill and toughness. Most hockey fans would agree he's got everything you want in a team captain.

Fleury was the leader of the club through a pretty rough part of the 1990's (well, most of the 90's), and was a world-class agitator -- the type of player I always appreciate and root for. He was really the only bright star on an unremarkable cast for a long time. Fleury had tons of character, and despite his size, proved he could be a dominant player during his time in Calgary. He never really grew out of his underdog role. I recall how great it was to watch the Flames play at GM Place, how they boo'd him with passion, and cheered when he was sent to the box late in one particular game (he then scored the OT winner, as I recall). Theo is still fondly remembered in CowTown, even though his post-Flames time in the big leagues was wrought with some goofy antics both on and off the ice. I really hope his #14 is retired someday.

But it's hard to deny Jarome is the best thing that's ever happened to the franchise. He came in as a very young player from Dallas in a trade that sent away one of the other all-time greats, Joe Nieuwendyk. Iggy blossomed into a dominant forward with a rare edge -- a captain who fights, and usually leads the team in scoring too. He's also well-spoken, and represents both Calgary and Team Canada in a classy, diplomatic way. The big Stanley Cup run in 2004 would not have happened without him, and what a ride he took us on that year!

So it's a close call for me -- at this point, I think the Stanley Cup ring tips the scale in Fleury's favour. He got lucky as a rookie coming onto a talent-rich team in time for the '89 playoffs. Theo paid his dues big-time, and carried the team for many lean years. He scored a thousand points over a thousand games, which should make him a candidate for the Hall of Fame (but don't hold your breath on that one). He was the leader during my formative years as a Flamer, which counts for a lot -- for that, he'll always be a legend. I'm looking forward to Fleury's book, due out in the fall.

But Iggy's got plenty of gas left in the tank. I'm sure I'll change my mind once he parades the Cup down the Red Mile!