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Iginla ‘not going to talk about’ trade speculation

Jarome Iginla

Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla speaks to reporters at the Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Monday, April 11, 2011. The Flames did not advance to the NHL hockey playoffs. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh

AP

In what’s becoming an annual tradition in Calgary, Flames captain Jarome Iginla today found himself answering questions about all the trade speculation surrounding his struggling team.

True to form, the 35-year-old didn’t provide any substantial clues as to whether he’ll still be with Flames past the April 3 trade deadline.

Iginla did, however, tell reporters he understood the fans’ frustration given the Flames (9-11-4) have lost three straight and sit last in the Western Conference, six points behind eighth-place Minnesota.

Calgary has missed the playoffs the past three seasons despite one of the higher payrolls in the NHL.

“We have great fans here that are very passionate about hockey,” he said, per the Calgary Sun, “and they want to win and they want to see improvements.

“As far as the speculation, I said at the beginning of the year, I don’t want anything to be a distraction. I’m not going to talk about any of that speculation. As a team, we’re at a very critical point, in terms of bouncing back and trying to build some momentum again.”

The Flames host the Red Wings (12-9-5) tonight in a big game for both teams. Detroit is coming off two straight losses to Columbus and will play seven of its next eight games on the road.

Related: Trade time? Iginla and Flames not talking extension