Jarome Iginla Wants Out of Colorado

Jarome Iginla has finally had enough of the basement-dwelling Colorado Avalanche.

The six-time all-star confirmed on Wednesday that he's not only open to the idea of a trade out of Denver before the March 1 trade deadline, but he's hoping it happens.

"I would like to, at the deadline, go somewhere. I would like to be in the playoffs and I would hope that there is some opportunity to go and play in the playoffs," Iginla told Puck Daddy on Wednesday.

"Those are the best games, the most fun for sure, and you have a chance to win. So, no, I haven't given up on that chance to win."

The 39-year-old has embraced his role as a mentor on a youth-laden Avalanche club this season, but as Iginla trudges through the twilight of his career on a team that's been downright atrocious this season in an obvious tank-attempt aimed at landing the No. 1 pick at this summer's draft, it's clear that the Avalanche organization and Iginla are at a crossroads.

"I've been a part of it long enough to know that that's just a part of the process and if they can get draft picks and stuff, you know for their older guys, the guys who are not in their future plans, that's part of it and I definitely would be open to that," he said. "I have enjoyed it (in Colorado) and there are lots of great young guys here, and I think it's going to be a promising future. But yeah, my window's not the same as the other guys for sure."

That window is indeed closing in on Iginla, and quick. The Edmonton, Alberta, native is in the midst of the least productive season of his career—posting only 12 points through 48 games—and, as history would suggest, it doesn't get any easier as you approach the age of 40. The two-time Rocket Richard winner is getting used to becoming a sought after deadline rental, as he spent two brief stints with Stanley Cup contenders Pittsburgh and Boston in 2013 and 2014 after spending the first 16 years of his illustrious career with the Calgary Flames.

Though the 20-year NHL veteran isn't producing this season like his 525 goals and 1095 career points would suggest he's capable of, Iginla can be a key deadline acquisition for many clubs, like the Edmonton Oilers. Iginla would fit right into a lineup that boasts some of the best young talent in the league but lacks any big time, veteran playoff experience—something the former Flames captain has plenty of.

The closest Iginla has been to raising that elusive Stanley Cup over his head was in 2004 when the Flames marched all the way to the final, losing a heartbreaking series in seven games to the Tampa Bay Lightning. His most productive individual campaign came in 2001-02 when he won the Art Ross, Rocket Richard and Pearson trophies after tallying a career-high 52 goals. Iginla has also been a model of consistency, as he put up at least 30 goals for 11 straight seasons from 2000-2012 and has only scored fewer than 20 goals in a full season once in his career.

Iginla signed a three-year, $16-million contract with the Avalanche in 2014, a deal set to expire this summer and one that could be his very last in the NHL.