New details have come out about Jake Guentzel's injury before being traded by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins were mostly quiet around the trade deadline, but their big move was arguably the most anticipated deal of the year. Before deadline day, the Penguins traded Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Michael Bunting and a few prospects.

Guentzel’s presence in Carolina has turned the Hurricanes into a true Stanley Cup contender as they prepare to kick off a second-round series against the New York Rangers.

Before the trade to the Hurricanes even occurred, Guentzel was placed on the Penguins long-term injured reserve with what was labeled an upper-body injury. In a report from Michael Russo of the Athletic, brutal new details have come out about what kept Guentzel out of the Penguins’ lineup before his trade.

“Then in February, only a few weeks before the deadline, Guentzel broke some ribs and his oblique muscle ripped right off the bone.”

Guentzel’s last game with the Penguins came on Valentine’s Day in a 5-2 loss to the Florida Panthers. Guentzel recorded an assist and played 18:30 of ice time.

Initial speculation was that Guentzel was missing time due to a broken finger.

Guentzel missed the next 11 games on the Penguins schedule before being traded on March 7, the night before the deadline. While a Guentzel deal was finalized, the Penguins lost to the Washington Capitals 6-0.

Before taking the ice for the first time as a Hurricane, Guentzel missed a pair of their games recovering from his injuries. Since returning, however, Guentzel has been one of the best deadline acquisitions in NHL history.

In 17 games with the Hurricanes, Guentzel scored eight goals and 17 assists for 25 total points. In their five-game series win over the New York Islanders, Guentzel scored a goal and three assists.

Set to become a free agent this offseason, Guentzel has praised the Hurricanes and their fans and is hopeful to be more than just a rental in Raleigh.

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