Who is the best trade partner for the Pittsburgh Penguins to move Jake Guentzel?

PITTSBURGH -- At 24-21-7, the Pittsburgh Penguins are dangerously close to being sellers at this year’s trade deadline. Sitting 10 points out of one of the top three spots in the Metropolitan Division, this organization is on the verge of missing their second straight postseason.

Adding to these conversations of selling is the uncertain contract status of forward Jake Guentzel. The team’s second-leading scorer has 22 goals and was on pace for another 35+ goal season before an injury put him on the shelf for four weeks. He is set to return right after the trade deadline, but he could be returning to a defeated Penguins team if he is still on the team at all.

As the Penguins’ playoff hopes dwindle with each game and no contract extension worked out between the two parties, the writing is on the wall for Guentzel. The trade demand is nearing its highest for such a talented player, but what could the Penguins expect in return for their most valuable trade asset?

Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche are again a true Stanley Cup contender. Nathan Mackinnon is playing at an unbelievable level, and they look like a team that is just a piece away from being unbeatable. Clearly in win-now mode, the Penguins could get quite the haul from Colorado in return for Guentzel. The Avalanche are probably more inclined to spend assets to acquire a second-line center, but the lure of a player like Guentzel may be too much to pass up.

They’ll have to give up a heavy return to land the Penguins’ forward, but they still have the assets to get it done. The biggest hold-up would be the money in and out. Colorado would need to include a roster player with some term to facilitate a salary cap-compliant trade.

Proposed Deal:

Avalanche: Jake Guentzel

Penguins: 2024 First Round Pick, Forward Calum Ritchie, Forward Logan O’Connor

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers are indeed a top suitor for Guentzel's services. Amid an incredible run, Edmonton is desperate to get Connor McDavid and Leon Draisitl into the Stanley Cup Final at least once before their contracts expire. Adding a bonafide playoff performer in Guentzel might be enough to push this team over the edge.

They have a collection of players and draft choices that could benefit the Penguins. Like the Avalanche, the Oilers still possess their 2024 first-round pick, which is a non-negotiable part of this deal. Their 2024 second-round pick could also be on the table as well.

Regarding NHL-ready players and young prospects, finding enticing options is harder. Two forwards stick out, Dylan Holloway and Ryan Mcleod. Both are former first-round choices and 24 years old or younger. If the Penguins were to make a deal with Edmonton, it makes sense to focus on these players. Mcleod could be a long-term third-line center solution in Pittsburgh, and Holloway is still unknown but has the makings of a middle-six winger.

Proposed Deal:

Oilers: Jake Guentzel and P.O. Joseph

Penguins: Forwards Dylan Holloway, Raphael Lavoie, Ryan Mcleod, 2024 First-Round Pick

Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings not only ruined Jaromir Jagr’s retirement ceremony, but they also could be the perfect trade partner for the Penguins. Los Angeles is an organization and city keen to make a splash. What bigger splash is there to make by the deadline this year?

Not only are the Kings trying to make another push for the Stanley Cup, but they also have multiple young forwards that could make it worth it for Pittsburgh. Quinton Byfield, Arthur Kaliev, Alex Turcotte, and Alex Laferriere are all 21 years old or younger and have the makeup of the top six forwards for years to come. In addition, the Kings still possess their 2024 first-round draft pick. If the Penguins are looking to simply get the best pool of resources in return for their star forward, the Kings have the best to offer.

Proposed Deal:

Kings: Jake Guentzel

Penguins: Alex Turcotte, Viktor Arvidsson, 2024 First Round Pick

If the Penguins want to try to contend one more time for the sake of their legendary core, they have to make significant changes before the next season begins. Guentzel is a phenomenal player and is the least of the team's issues. However, he is the best and probably the only player or asset in the organization to fetch a helpful return.

The Penguins' time to mortgage the future is over, and the time to invest in it is now. Any of these organizations could give the Penguins a much-needed group of players and picks that could help the team. 

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