Jake Guentzel was one of the biggest fish being dangled at the 2024 National Hockey League Trade Deadline, and he found his new home (at least temporarily) with the Carolina Hurricanes. But what does the future hold for Guentzel?
Guentzel was selected with the 77th overall pick (Round 3) of the 2013 NHL Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, with whom he would begin his career and soon establish himself as a clutch presence on the ice and a perfect compliment to the franchise cornerstones already in place in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin up front. Soon, he would help the Penguins win a second consecutive Stanley Cup in his rookie season.
After completing his entry-level rookie contract, the Penguins rewarded Guentzel with a five-year extension worth $30 million, an AAV of $6 million. But with the Penguins on the outside looking in on the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second straight year, management decided to end his tenure with the franchise–with the move mentioned above to the Hurricanes in exchange for forward Michael Bunting, three prospects, and a pair of draft selections.
Jake Guentzel was dealt to the Hurricanes at the NHL Trade Deadline
Guentzel was a valuable addition for the Hurricanes, scoring four goals with five assists in 11 postseason games. And he made sure to indicate that he enjoyed his time with the team.
“I loved my experience here,” Guentzel said shortly after their season came to a close. “It’s a great place to play. I don’t think you realize the behind the scenes, how good it is. The guys make it good too. We’re going to see what happens over the next little bit here.”
But now that their season is over following a Round 2 loss to the New York Rangers, Guentzel will once again be one of the biggest names available on the open market. While a potential return to Carolina isn't out of the question, let's look at some potential destinations he could consider should he ultimately depart.
Vegas Golden Knights
One of the most obvious choices for Guentzel to consider would be the Vegas Golden Knights, who are one season removed from the first Stanley Cup in franchise history. It doesn't appear that popular long-time forward Jonathan Marchessault is any closer to a contract extension and very well could be playing elsewhere next season. His current cap hit is $5 million
In addition to Marchessault, William Carrier, Chandler Stephenson, Michael Amadio, and Anthony Mantha are all slated to become free agents, freeing up even more salary cap space to attract a top player like Guentzel.
Should a deal get worked out with Vegas, Guentzel would give the Golden Knights another top American-born forward to team up with Jack Eichel; his scoring touch could easily offset the potential loss of Marchessault and any of the above aforementioned names who could also find themselves playing elsewhere next season.
And despite the tight cap situation for Vegas, they've never been shy about doing whatever is necessary – as controversial as others find it – to stretch the rules.
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings barely missed qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2016, marking the second-longest current drought in the NHL, behind only the Buffalo Sabres. It's understandable why a growing portion of the fan base is starting to get impatient with the slow rebuilding process under GM Steve Yzerman.
Detroit has multiple players who are set to become free agents this summer, including David Perron, Patrick Kane, and Daniel Sprong. While they've been listed as a possibility to land Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning thanks to his connections with Yzerman and Derek Lalonde, Guentzel is younger and could potentially be more affordable.
The Red Wings would be wise to consider moving on from the aging Perron and make a pitch toward signing Guentzel, which would give them another offensive weapon to compliment the likes of Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, and Lucas Raymond.
Dallas Stars
Another prime landing spot for Guentzel to consider would be to take his talents to the Lone Star State and join the Dallas Stars. Right now, the team is a pair of wins from qualifying for the Stanley Cup Final, and their focus is on the task at hand.
But the Stars have several free agents set to hit the market this summer, including veteran Joe Pavelski, who has struggled to produce thus far in the playoffs. Additionally, Matt Duchene and Craig Smith are up for new deals. Should the Stars lose Pavelski to retirement or Duchene to free agency, they'll have more than enough cap space (currently projected to enjoy nearly $16 million worth) to lure Guentzel down south.
Not only would Guentzel be a positive influence on emerging star Wyatt Johnston, but would also help further the offensive depth that the Stars have boasted in recent seasons.
Follow Us
Subscribe