With the trade deadline approaching for the 2023-2024 NHL season, certain players are being named more than others. Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, Jacob Markstrom from Calgary, or Adam Henrique from Anaheim rank near the top of most trade bait boards. But one popular player on the radar of many teams is left-winger Jake Guentzel of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Playing alongside Sidney Crosby, Guentzel is second on the team in points. He trails behind only Crosby and the winger has been a spotlight on the lackluster season for the Penguins. But, with the club going through a retool and Guentzel’s contract expiring, some insiders are suggesting it’s about an 80% chance he’s moved.
Guentzel’s Future with the Penguins Uncertain
The top liner winger for the Penguins is on the radar of plenty of NHL teams. As a pending UFA, Guentzel’s contract is an attractive one. That said, a likely raise creates a difficult situation for General Manager Kyle Dubas.
In the article, “Dubas Talks Guentzel, the Trade Deadline and the Future of the Penguins,” written by PensBurgh.com, Dubas talks about the Guentzel situation, saying that the deadline is close. They note:
Interesting thought on Jake Guentzel’s situation, noting that time is running out before the deadline and the immediate future will be telling for how it plays out. Talked about how Guentzel has been great for the team but followed up by saying that they “have to find a way to get younger”, in a curious way to pair thoughts together.
Dubas’ Asking Price for Guentzel
Dubas has put a price on his top goal scorer. According to Emily Kaplan of ESPN, the Penguins are asking for multiple-round picks or a first-rounder, prospects, or roster players. Vegas, Vancouver, Edmonton, Carolina, and Florida are all interested in the winger. As well as the Detriot Red Wings have recently expressed interest in Guentzel per David Pagnotta.
There is no clear frontrunner, as Dubas has expressed that the Penguin’s immediate play will determine if Guentzel could be heading to those teams. The Penguins are sitting 6th in the Metro Divison with 27 games remaining as of February 26, 2024. Recent reports note that almost everyone not in their core group is available.
Kyle Dubas’s decision will determine if the Penguins start a small rebuild or make a push for the playoffs.
Next: Multiple Teams Ask Flyers About Walker and Seeler Package Trade
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