The Pittsburgh Penguins are expected to talk with Jake Guentzel regarding his future.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins have entered 2023-24 in a very precarious situation. After missing the postseason for the first time in nearly two decades, one of their key forwards is on the final year of his contract with no new deal in place. With nothing certain regarding the Penguins future, the status of Jake Guentzel has very much been put into question.

If the Penguins miss the postseason again, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the start of the rebuild in Pittsburgh. Shipping Guentzel off before the trade deadline could bring in quite a few assets to get the rebuild off to a head start.

Despite the possibility of Guentzel hitting the trade block, the Penguins could really use his talents if they go one a run for the postseason. Soon the be 30-years-old, however, Guentzel is rightfully curious about what the future holds for the Penguins.

With an uncertain future of the franchise, the Penguins and Guetnzel are going to need to have an open conversation about what options may be on the table. If a playoff run seems unlikely, he’ll be the top name available. If he stays, what could a new deal look like?

According to Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, the Penguins and Guentzel will have such a conversation during or after the All-Star break. That’s also exactly when president and general manager Kyle Dubas said he would have a clearer read on where the Penguins are heading.

These talks won’t be easy, as Guentzel’s agent Ben Hankinson has already said once that things could ‘get ugly.’ Guentzel is deserving of a large pay day and a chance to win, if the Penguins can’t supply either, it won’t be a fun time.

The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun stated that conversations between the two parties took place before the season, and a deal could have been signed then, but pen was never put to paper.

Guentzel and his camp will have a decision to make, as will the Penguins, especially if things start to go south in the next few weeks. If Guentzel hits the block, prices have been set and he would likely be just the first of many dominoes to fall.

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