Guentzel The New York Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/new-york-rangers/new-york-rangers-artemi-panarin-san-jose-sharks-team-leading-goal] general manager Chris Drury has pulled off master-class acquisitions when the money was tight the last two seasons. He would have had to make Pittsburgh Penguins president and general manager Kyle Dubas an offer he could not refuse to pry Jake Guentzel from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Dubas struck down any notion that Guentzel would be moved speaking on his bi-weekly GM Show with Josh Getzoff [https://soundcloud.com/user-898619589/the-gm-show-011724-pittsburgh-penguins?si=7861c1f51603445480cff0d674b40d67&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing] and said a conversation will be had with the forward about his future, but he has not been shopping the forward. “We haven’t had any discussions with teams about Jake,” Dubas said. “So, anything out there is pure speculation. It’s as simple as that.” “We’ll continue to go through the season here and I’ll continue to evaluate where we’re at. Either after the All-Star break or after the season we’ll do what’s best for everybody. Best for the Penguins, best for Jake.” The Metropolitan Rivals had a slim chance of trading to begin with. The only realistic possibility was if the Rangers mortgaged young roster players and top draft picks to entice the insecure Penguins. Even then it doesn't seem the club is willing to part ways with their 29-year-old Stanley Cup champion forward. "I believe the Penguins want to keep Guentzel around at least through this season," said Nick Horwat of The Hockey News. "Guentzel is a player who can make over them million easily. There's always been a belief that Guentzel would be who Crosby passes the torch to, but the team needs to be competitive for that to happen. " The Rangers still have option plenty on the table that are more cost-efficient for the club, which currently has approximately $112,000 to operate with before shedding salary anywhere. They will likely be on the hunt for right-wing depth, which is why Guentzel was an enticing option in the first place. The Rangers would be in the market for a rental like Guentzel if Drury can somehow inherit his current $6 million cap hit. There are no easy contracts to move on the current roster. It would require either no-move or no-trade clauses to be waived (if possible) or mortgaging a hefty load of future assets. As the trade deadline conversation heats, one thing will dictate how the Rangers go about acquisitions this year; the money. Drury was able to land Vladamir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane with a tight ceiling but pulled all the right strings to make the additions work. It may not be so easy this year. The right-wing market is not loaded with veteran talent that teams will be eating a substantial amount of contracts for. It's hard to count Guentzel out with Drury's genius in play, but all the eggs will not be in his basket over the next month. TOP STORIES:
