Rockets acquire Tij Iginla in trade

The Kelowna Rockets have added a local product who is the son of an NHL great.

Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton announced Wednesday the acquisition of 2006-born forward Tij (pronounced TEE-G) Iginla from the Seattle Thunderbirds in exchange for a 2024 WHL Prospects first-round pick, Seattle’s 2027 WHL Prospects second-round pick and 2005-born forward Grady Lenton.

During the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft on May 11, the Thunderbirds dealt their 2027 second-round pick to the Rockets for the Rockets 2023 third and fifth-round picks.

“We’re excited to have the chance to acquire a player like Tij,” Hamilton said. “He has a full season in the Western Hockey League as a 16-year-old under his belt. We gave up a lot in first, third and fifth round picks to get him, but we think he will be one of the top players on our team.

“He’s a great skater with great hockey sense, who shoots the puck well. He’s exactly who we’re looking for in the makeup of our team in trying to get faster. With the personnel that we have, he adds to the group of elite players that can play in our top six.”

Iginla, son of NHL Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, appeared in 48 games for Seattle this season, posting 18 points (6G, 12A), 19 penalty minutes and a +6 plus-minus rating. The Lake Country product also dressed in three playoff games, all against the Rockets in the first round, where he posted an assist and two penalty minutes.

The Thunderbirds selected Iginla ninth overall at the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.

Earlier this season, the 6’0”, 181-pound forward captured a silver medal with Canada Red at the U-17 Hockey Challenge. He posted seven points (2G, 5A) over seven games.

He is the brother of Brown University forward Jade Iginla and Edmonton Oil Kings draftee Joe Iginla.

Lenton appeared in 59 games for the Rockets this season, posting eight points (4G, 4A), eight penalty minutes and a -17 plus/minus rating.