Despite what seemed like the perfect fit, it seems that Jack Guentzel and the Carolina Hurricanes will not be sticking together.

On the latest episode of Elliotte Friedman's 32 Thoughts podcast titled "Loser Thinking," the Sportsnet insider reported that Carolina was shopping Guentzel's signing rights in return for a mid-round pick.

"It sounds like he's available for a mid-round pick," Friedman said. "I believe Carolina has let everyone know that if you want to trade for his rights and a chance to sign him, that it's possible for a mid-round pick."

Guentzel, 29, had eight goals and 25 points in 17 regular season games with Carolina and four goals and nine points in 11 playoff games.

He was a perfect complement on the top line with Sebastian Aho and both Seth Jarvis and Andrei Svechnikov.

He fit the style and seemed to integrate into the room well, but as one of the top free agents on the market, it seems like he's wanting to see just how much he can make and so Carolina is looking to at least recuperate something.

Guentzel is an upcoming UFA but teams are still allowed to trade your rights because the new league year doesn't officially start until July 1.

The reason a team might do this is because whoever owns your rights holds exclusive negotiating rights on you until that July 1 deadline.

So if someone were to trade for Guentzel, they'd be able to try and negotiate with him before the free-for-all.

"I'm sure there's a ton of interest, you just have to know or think you're going to get him," Friedman said.

One of the teams Freidman suggested as potentially interested was the Chicago Blackhawks 

I'm sure the Canes could potentially still be trying to make something work and will still be i on him if he goes to free agency on July 1, but based on what Friedman is saying, it doesn't sound promising.

Recent Articles