Jarome Iginla is a legend.

He ranks 47th overall in points with 1,199 in his career and 20th overall in goals with 575. And he’s at it again for Colorado. His 15 goals leads the Avalanche.

The 37-year-old Iginla has had extraordinary level of consistency. Since 2000-01 he has had 30 goals every year – with the exception of the 2012-13 lockout-shortened season.

The only element lost on his resume is a Stanley Cup. He hasn’t won one, and in his back-to-back years with powerhouses Pittsburgh and Boston, those two teams flamed out in the postseason.

Regardless, his legacy is secure. He is one of the true ambassadors for the game – a guy who is smart, talkative and enjoyable to watch on the ice.

Iginla carved out a decent chunk of time for us after a morning skate in Nashville to answer many questions, which is cool because players try to scram quickly after morning skate. Thanks Jarome!

Q: You smile a lot when you talk to us, but you’re a nasty SOB on the ice. Explain this Hulk-like transformation…

IGINLA: "On the ice I think it’s a competitive, intense game. We all have different styles. We try to win more battles and try to get engaged and usually try to get yourself a little bit grumpy out there. I know I do. We all have different styles, so it’s part of the game trying to be competitive and compete and be determined."

You’ve played with Joe Sakic on Team Canada, now he’s your boss in Colorado. You’ve played against Patrick Roy, now he’s your coach. You’ve played with and against almost every big-named Canadian hockey player from the last era. That must feel interesting.

"I think it’s cool. Part of the attraction to come to Colorado was to play for Joe and Patrick and I believe in what they’ve done in their careers as players and on teams and I believe we’re going to find a way to be successful. They have so far and I wanted to come and be a part of it. I do think it’s pretty funny.

"(Alex) Tanguay is a little more unique situation because he played yearly with them and won a Stanley Cup with them. It’s a neat dynamic. Once you come in … it’s not that much different.

Have you and Joe talked about having Patrick put on some pads and trying to organize a shootout against him?

"He was definitely one of the best goalies to play, but I always found him to be one of the hardest guys to score on. He was one of the guys I was most excited when I did get one past him because he was a great goalie, but also very competitive and if one got past him, no matter what he was pissed and that was pretty cool."

After being in Calgary for most of your career, with three teams in three years now you’re like a hockey nomad. What has that been like after playing one place for so long?

"It has gotten easier. It has been great. I’ve had a lot of fun. It has honestly been … my family and I have really enjoyed it. They have been fun adventures and having a chance with Pittsburgh … it was an adjustment leaving and being in such a familiar environment for so long and being unfamiliar and a new thing. But it was a great challenge. It was fun. We made it to the conference final, I hadn’t been in there in a long time. Going to Boston we won the Presidents’ Trophy, it was a fun year, we had a lot of success during the regular season, the most success I’ve had during the regular season, made the second round of the playoffs. That was fun, playing the Canadiens. It has been great.

"Now coming to Colorado, I don’t really want to move again, but it has been a fun year. It’s a great place to play its’ a wonderful city. The guys here are great. It’s a wonderful energy, and I think we’re going to keep getting better. I enjoyed all my time in Calgary. Every year, it’s the NHL. It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was seven years old. It has been as good as I could have dreamed and a lot better.

"Each one of those … I’d love to win the Stanley Cup. But as far as moving it has been great. It has been interesting and I’ve learned a lot and experienced a lot."

Do you have any regret about leaving Boston?

"No, I don’t really think like that. I’ve really enjoyed … we’re a few points behind Calgary for the last playoff spot. Our game is starting to come. I think I’m where I’m supposed to be and no complaints and I’m enjoying it. I’ve been very fortunate. My family has enjoyed it and I’ve enjoyed it, there’s no ‘what-ifs, shoulda coulda.’ I’m extremely fortunate and no complaints."

Story continues