Not necessarily in a cage match, Jarome would smash Alfredsson in a fight, but as an all-around NHL player, Jarome Iginla in my opinion defeats Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson. Why the comparison you might ask? An Ottawa blogger thinks Alfredsson, because he has a greater point-per-game production, is therefore a better player. Well then, let’s take a closer look to see if, other than point-per-game statistics, Alfredsson compares to Jarome.


It’s true Jarome has fewer points per game:

Jarome has 834 career points as of today, with 922 career games. Good for .90 points a game for his career. Pretty decent for sure, especially in this day and age. However, Daniel Alfredsson has 903 points in 912 career games, which is .99 points per game over his career.

We can attribute this to a few things, but namely Alfredsson has had years with stellar linemates like Yashin, Spezza, and Heatley. Jarome Iginla has mostly had Conroy (3rd line checker?), Langkow, Tanguay, and now Cammalleri.

Alfredsson broke into the league in 95-96 whereas Jarome came in fulltime in 96-97.

The statistics apart from point per game production start jumping out.

In the last four seasons after the lockout here are the stats:

Jarome
Year         Team GP     G       A    Pts    +/-   PIM   PPG   PPA   SHG  GW
2005-06 CGY   82    35     32     67    5       86     17     14     1       6
2006-07 CGY   70    39     55    94     12     40     13     20       1     7
2007-08 CGY   82    50     48    98     27     83     15     18       0     9
2008-09 CGY   62    26     46     72     3       29     10     20       0     3
Last Four          296 150  181    331  247   238    55    72       2     25

v

Daniel

Year        Team     GP     G       A    Pts    +/-   PIM   PPG   PPA   SHG  GW

2005-06   OTT     77     43     60    103   29     50     16     32       5         1
2006-07   OTT     77     29     58    87    42     42     7       18       2         2
2007-08   OTT     70     40     49    89    15     34     9       16      7         2
2008-09   OTT     59     18     38    56     3       18     6       14     1         2

Last Four               283   130  205  335  89     144     37     80    15      7

We can attribute assists to other people scoring (better line mates perhaps?) Jarome has more game winning goals and sticks up for his teammates (almost an extra 100 in PIM production).

His longevity can’t be beat. It should be noted Alfredsson has ONE 82 game season (his rookie year), whereas Jarome has played in almost six.

Both have played for one team, both have made it to the Stanley Cup final, both have never won.

If we look at pure point production Jarome scored more, Alfredsson has more assists and more points (largely from his 103 point season). However, by the time this season is done Iginla will have more points (my wild prediction) over the past four seasons, however, it’s close.

Verdict: the edge is given to Iginla, not Alfredsson. Iginla has carried the Flames for many a games. Alfredsson has had a stronger supporting cast throughout his career. Point per game totals don’t tell the whole story, as when it comes to the entire package Jarome Iginla reigns supreme.

Who would you rather have on your team? I opt for Iginla.