Retired NHler Jarome Iginla was known more for his goal-scoring ability, but he came up with a big assist to help out his old team.

The Calgary Flames legend played a key role in helping Milan Lucic decide to waive his contract and switch Albertan hockey teams in the deal that sent James Neal up to Edmonton.

Iginla and Lucic got to know each other during the 2013-14 season when Iginla was signed in Boston. "Iggy" influenced Lucic to waive his NMC after a lengthy chat to complete the deal.

"Jarome and I got to know each other really well the year we played together in Boston," Lucic said. "We were linemates, we shared a lot of stories, went out to dinner together a lot. … I like to think he knows me pretty well and that's why he took time out of his day to give me a call and help me with my decision. And he did help me make up my mind.

"I'm just grateful that I'm friends with one of the guys who I idolize most and that now I get to play for the team that he was most famous playing for.

Four former Flames -- Mike Cammalleri, Kris Versteeg and Brian McGrattan also gave Lucic their stamp of approval by putting in a good word about the city and organization.

Iginla spoke with George Johnson of NHL.com and gave his take on the deal and how he believes Lucic will adjust to his 4th NHL team. 

"I was a player who liked the physical side of things, too," the Flames' legend is saying from home base in Boston, reacting to his old team's acquisition of the bruising Stanley Cup-winning left-winger. "I know - everyone does - that he's one of the more intimidating guys in the game.

"Today, there's less of them, the tough guys, which makes him even more intimidating. 

"I'm excited, as a Calgary Flames fan and as a friend of his. I had the chance to play with him, we were linemates and we've kept in touch.

"For whatever reasons, it didn't work out in Edmonton. I don't know why. But as a fit in Calgary? A great guy. Good teammate. And they don't have a player like him. 

"The Flames are a skilled, fast team and they've got some some gritty guys, too. Is there a more competitive D-man than Gio? You've got Tkachuk. Sam Bennett, who plays hard. Hamonic. Gritty players, but skilled.

"Then you add Looch? That's a big man coming at you. It helps everybody, being able to play their game, to feel comfortable, and not have to worry about certain guys.

"There's still an element of that in the game."

Lucic had a career-worst 20 points (6 goals, 14 assists) last season and will certainly be looking forward to a change of scenery that'll hopefully revitalize his career. 

(h/t NHL.com)