Photo credit: NHL

Tij Iginla was famously drafted 6th overall this year by the Utah Hockey Club, and now word has gotten out that he was not particularly happy about that outcome.

Tij Iginla became the first ever draft pick of the Utah Hockey Club at last month’s draft in Vegas, although the scouting team largely, if not entirely, came over from the Arizona Coyotes. Still, it was a historic moment for the club.

With our first-ever pick, the Utah Hockey Club selects Tij Iginla 🩵

#UtahHC | #NHLDraft

Today, one Flames fan in Calgary happened to stumble across Iginla when the prospect showed up at his Starbucks location. The fan admitted that he would have preferred if the Flames had gotten the chance to draft him, and reportedly, Iginla agreed.

From #Flames Reddit. Tij Iginla wanted to be a Flame. 🥲🥲🥲

Notably, Iginla’s father Jarome is one of the most famous Flames forwards of all time. This is what drove a large part of the conversation on draft day, as many expected and or hoped that the Flames would select Tij 9th overall.

However, many fans have expressed doubt that he would disclose his own preferences to the fan at Starbucks. It is very possible that the fan exaggerated Iginla’s response as he did not quote or record him.

Doubtful. Everyone knows the Iginla family is nothing but class. I’m sure he was hopeful, but wouldn’t say something along those lines.

That being said, it is what it is at this point. Regardless of what Tij and Calgary fans had hoped for, he will be a member of the Utah Hockey Club sooner or later. If his dad is any indication, it will be the former of those two options, and he’s going to be very good for a very long time.

he left Calgary at age 6.. he grew up else where. he doesn’t personally have as big of a connection to the city as people think he does. he’d be loved here but also have to deal with the shadow of his dad and unnecessary extra pressure.

i think it’s better he develops in Utah