Jarome Iginla is still trying to find out what is behind the neurological issues that have affected his health over the past year. The former Calgary Flames captain says he is hopeful of making a full recovery, but does not yet have answers.
Speaking to Sportsnet’s Eric Francis in an interview published Tuesday, Iginla discussed the health problems from his home in Lake Country, B.C.
“Unfortunately I have been battling some health issues,” he said. “Some neurological issues. I’m not entirely sure what it is, it may be from metal toxins from reaction to the cobalt hip.”
Iginla had hip replacement surgery a few years ago but complications followed. The medications he has taken since have affected his energy, weight and speech. He has also been dealing with elevated mercury levels and is trying to bring them down while doctors investigate whether they are connected to the possible cobalt-related complications.
Some artificial hip implants contain metal components that can release ions and debris as they wear down. Sportsnet noted that this can cause health problems in some patients. Jarome Iginla however has not confirmed a diagnosis of cobalt poisoning.
He has spent more than a year undergoing tests and speaking with medical professionals to understand what is happening.
“I need more time to figure it all out, but I’m still hopeful that I will recover fully,” he said. “Things are slowly getting under control, thanks be to God.”
The health update comes after a recent appearance in Hometown Giants, an Amazon Prime series following the WHL’s Vancouver Giants. A clip featuring Iginla and his son Joe ahead of the NHL Draft drew attention from viewers who noticed changes in his appearance and voice. Sportsnet also reported on the reaction to the footage.
Jarome Iginla’s Calgary legacy remains part of Flames history
Jarome Iginla spent 16 seasons in Calgary and remains the Flames’ all time leader in games played, goals and points. He finished his time with the franchise with 525 goals and 1,095 points in 1,219 games.
His biggest moment in Calgary came during the 2004 playoff run. Iginla helped take the Flames to the Stanley Cup Final where they pushed Tampa Bay to seven games before losing the series. He was also a two-time 50-goal scorer and six-time NHL All-Star.
His success extended to the international stage. Iginla won Olympic gold with Canada in 2002 and 2010 famously assisting Sidney Crosby’s overtime winner in the Vancouver final. He also won a World Championship, World Cup of Hockey title and World Junior Championship, along with two Memorial Cups during his time with the Kamloops Blazers. He entered the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020.
Since retiring in 2018, Jarome Iginla has spent much of his time away from the spotlight. The Flames brought him back in 2023 as a special advisor to general manager Craig Conroy. He has also watched his children pursue hockey careers. Tij and Jade have both turned professional, while Joe was selected by Calgary in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Edited by Sonali Verma
