Penguins Undecided on Jake Guentzel Move
How the Pittsburgh Penguins view themselves as a franchise in the coming seasons will determine Jake Guetnzel's future.
PITTSBURGH – Jake Guentzel has been one of the most talked about names on the Pittsburgh Penguins roster since the turn of the new year, and almost none of it has had to do with his play on the ice. Everyone has been pondering what Guentzel’s future holds and if he will remain with the Penguins for too much longer.
Guentzel is an elite player on an expiring deal and the Penguins are in no way looked at as a Stanley Cup contender. They have a chance at reaching the playoffs, but the expectations aren’t high after that. What could that mean for Guentzel’s future?
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman added to the discourse on Hockey Night in Canada’s Saturday Headlines, stating there has been no decision made regarding Guentzel, but the direction the organization is heading will likely play a role.
“No determination has been made on his future in Pittsburgh,” Friedman said. “What I do think is the biggest factor here, is where the Penguins think they’re going as a franchise over the next couple of years.”
If the Penguins believe their aging core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang can still find success, Guentzel would be a key piece. Adding Erik Karlsson over the summer showed that there is still a belief, but the results haven’t been great.
If the Penguins are down and out, the rebuild might be right around the corner and the haul the team could get for Guentzel could be a big help in revamping for the future.
The Penguins have five games left before the All-Star break, which is a date Kyle Dubas labeled as when he’ll have a complete understanding of the direction of the team. If the Penguins are still on the outside of the playoffs looking in by then, expect some fascinating decisions.
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