With the possibility of a big return, the Pittsburgh Penguins could test the market and trade their goal scoring forward.
PITTSBURGH – With the NHL trade chatter reaching new heights and the 2024 deadline looming, many questions still surround the Pittsburgh Penguins. It’s still not clear if the Penguins will be buyers or sellers, but that’s not the main focus for many.
Everyone wants to know what Kyle Dubas and the Penguins will do with pending unrestricted free agent Jake Guentzel. Riding the final year of his contract and no communication between the team and his agent, Guentzel’s future in Pittsburgh has become questionable.
According to Rob Rossi of the Athletic, the Penguins aren’t in as tough as a spot as once believed. Rossi believes Dubas will aim for as big of a return as possible for Guentzel.
“The Penguins need youth and depth, picks and prospects,” Rossi writes. "Guentzel can probably command all three if Dubas creates a market for him. The guess here is he will.”
A previously rumored asking price for Guentzel was set to be at a draft pick, a prospect, and an NHL-ready player. If the Penguins are looking to move on from Guetnzel, they could easily net those assets if not more.
Dubas has stated before that talks about a deal involving Guentzel have not happened, but talks between him and Guentzel’s agent, Ben Hankinson, are also yet to kick off. Initially, talks were stalled in waiting for Guentzel to return from an offseason ankle surgery, which he recovered from and played on opening night.
Since then, Guentzel has put together an outstanding year, leading the Penguins in points for a good chunk of games. In 46 contests, Guentzel has scored 22 goals and 27 assists for 49 points. His point total is good for second on the team behind only Sidney Crosby with 50.
Dubas said he’s still trying to figure out what direction the Penguins are heading. It feels like dealing Guentzel would be the first sign of a rebuild, but it might not be. The haul the Penguins could get for an All-Star-level talent could keep them right in the thick of the playoff race.
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