Tij Iginla Sets Sights on NHL Spot: ‘I Think I’m Ready’

Tij Iginla is embracing the expectations that come with being a top draft pick, and he’s ready to rise to the occasion. After putting together a healthy season and making significant strides in his development, the Utah Mammoth prospect is focused on one goal: securing a spot in the NHL as training camp approaches.

“It was great to be back for a full season and be healthy,” Iginla shared 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 attributes his growth to a series of small adjustments rather than one singular breakthrough. He has spent part of his offseason skating with projected first-overall pick Gavin McKenna, honing in on the subtle nuances that can differentiate good players from great ones. “Sometimes getting better isn’t about something big,” Iginla explained. “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.”

When asked if he feels ready to take the leap to the NHL after two years in Utah’s system, Iginla was unequivocal. “I do,” he affirmed. “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.”

This confidence is bolstered by observing peers his age making strides in the NHL, which reinforces his belief that he can be part of that elite 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.”

While he’s not keen on disclosing every goal for the upcoming season, Iginla is clear about his primary objective: “My goal is definitely to make the team.” With training camp on the horizon, he’ll spend another week surrounded by many of the organization’s top prospects during development camp, which has become a highlight of his summer. “It’s super fun to see the guys,” Iginla remarked. “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.”

The week was also special off the ice. Just a day before speaking with reporters, Iginla witnessed his younger brother’s name being 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.”

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.