Jake Guentzel Gets Emotional in Penguins Return
Emotions ran high for Jake Guentzel as the Pittsburgh Penguins honored him in his return.
PITTSBURGH – It was a predictably emotional night for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they hosted the Carolina Hurricanes for the final time of the 2023-24 season. More than just a usual game, however, this was Jake Guentzel’s first game back in Pittsburgh since being traded away by the Penguins.
Guentzel played eight seasons with the Penguins and was crucial to their 2017 Stanley Cup victory. The Penguins produced and played the standard welcome-back video for their former champion, which brought out emotions from everyone.
The crowd at PPG Paints Arena stood long and cheered loud for Guentzel, who showed his respect for the fanbase. Guentzel took a few curtain call salutes for the crowd as his emotions took over.
Television cameras found Guentzel’s family in the crowd, and they were just as emotional while watching the tribute video.
Following the game, which the Penguins shockingly won, Guentzel said he never wanted to leave Pittsburgh, but the management had different plans.
“My intention was to stay,” Guentzel said. “They thought there was a better direction.”
In fairness to the Penguins front office, Guentzel is turning 30 soon and will demand a lot of money in the offseason. Kyle Dubas is really focused on getting a younger team with affordable players, and Guentzel just doesn’t fit that quota.
It’s possible Guentzel returns as a free agent, but a lot of pieces will need to fall into place.
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