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Bruins want to re-sign Iginla, but must wait

Boston Bruins v New Jersey Devils

NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 18: Jarome Iginla #12 of the Boston Bruins in action against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on March 18, 2014 in Newark, New Jersey. The Bruins defeated the Devils 4-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

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It seems it’s a matter of when -- not if -- Jarome Iginla re-ups with the Boston Bruins.

The 36-year-old veteran, signed to a one-year deal last summer and currently leading the team in goals, has reportedly had preliminary discussions with GM Peter Chiarelli for a new contract, but is required to wait until just before July 1st to make any signing official.

Here’s more, from the Boston Herald:

“It’s a function of cap space and ongoing multiple-year contracts,” Chiarelli said before his team’s 4-3 shootout win against the Flyers. “So it would have to wait ’til a minute after free agency begins (July 1). It’s an anti-inflationary thing. Basically it restricts you from going overboard on your future contracts. It prevents you from spending money you haven’t got.”

The B’s have $62.579 million committed for 2014-15, but the salary cap is expected to rise to just more than $70 million. Money will be tight, but getting Iginla re-signed is a priority for Chiarelli.

“He’s been terrific for us,” Chiarelli said. “He’s a veteran guy, he plays our brand of hockey and he fits in seamlessly with that first line. He’s been everything we thought he’d be — everything and more. I know Looch (Milan Lucic) and Krech (David Krejci) look up to him. There’s a good synergy on that line.”

Iginla signed an incentive-laden deal with the B’s last summer -- his base salary is $1.8 million and, according to CapGeek, and he’s earned $3.7 million of a potential $4.2 million in performances bonuses. He could earn up to another $500,000 if the Bruins win the Stanley Cup.

The former Flames captain has been arguably the best free agent signing from last year’s class. Over the weekend, Iginla hit the 30-goal plateau, becoming just the 19th player in NHL history to score 30 at the age of 36 or older. What’s more, Iginla also tied Hockey Hall of Famer Guy LaFleur on the all-time scoring list, with 560 career tallies.