Sidney Crosby opened up about the Pittsburgh Penguins trading away the best linemate he's ever had.
PITTSBURGH – On the night before the NHL trade deadline, the Pittsburgh Penguins suffered one of their harshest defeats of the season. Before puck drop against the Washington Capitals, details emerged that star forward Jake Guentzel was being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes.
While the full deal wasn’t officially announced, the Penguins were well aware that one of their top players was on his way to a new team.
Part of Guentzel’s legacy with the Penguins is that he stands out as one of, if not the best, linemates of Sidney Crosby’s Hall of Fame career. Following the tough defeat, Crosby was asked about the departure of his long-time linemate.
“He’s a great player, great teammate, a friend,” Crosby said. “He did everything he possibly could in his time here. Just a privilege to play with him.”
Guentzel joined the Penguins during the 2016-17 season and provided an immediate spark to the team. That postseason, Guentzel led the entire playoffs in goals with 13 goals, one shy of the all-time rookie record. Thanks to Guentzel’s presence, the Penguins secured their franchise’s fifth Stanley Cup title and second in as many years.
“Great memories,” Crosby said. “It was a privilege. That’s all I can say.”
In his time with the Penguins, Guentzel played 503 career games, scoring 219 goals and 247 assists for 466 total points. Among the all-time leaders in Penguins history, Guentzel is eighth in goals and 11th in points.
The Penguins have had great players over the years, many of whom have shared a line with Crosby. None could do it better or more consistently than Guentzel. Finding a winger who can bring even a little bit of what Guentzel could bring to the end of Crosby’s career will be tough.
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