Top 2024 draft prospect Tij Iginla to play for Team Canada at U18 World Championship

Tij is the elder son of Calgary Flames legend Jarome Iginla. He started his WHL career with the Seattle Thunderbirds on a full-time basis in the 2022-23 season but struggled to earn consistent ice time behind a stacked forward group that included Dylan Guenther, Brad Lambert, Lucas Ciona, and a host of other NHL prospects.

Jade Iginla, Jarome’s eldest child and only daughter, won gold with Team Canada at the 2022 U18 Women’s World Championship, collecting three points in three games. Joe Iginla, Tij’s younger brother, is an Edmonton Oil Kings prospect who scored five points in five games with the team as an affiliate player this season.

The Flames currently possess the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, although they have a 5.0 percent chance of moving up to the No. 1 spot in the draft lottery. Assuming that they do remain at No. 9, they could be right in the wheelhouse to select Iginla — provided that he doesn’t elevate his stock even further with a strong showing at the U18s.

Iginla entered his draft year as a fringe first-round prospect who many analysts saw falling into round two. He dispelled those beliefs with an outstanding season in Kelowna during which he initially found chemistry with top prospect Andrew Cristall before driving his own line in the latter portion of the year (and into the playoffs).

It’s worth noting that Iginla was born in August 2006, making him one of the youngest players available in this year’s draft. The 6′ left wing has plenty of time to develop his skills and grow into his frame. Iginla still has three years of WHL eligibility remaining, although he’d be able to play in the AHL on a full-time basis starting in the 2026-27 season.

The 2024 NHL Draft is scheduled to take place at the Sphere in Las Vegas on June 28 and 29.