Report: Penguins Set Asking Price for Jake Guentzel
If the Pittsburgh Penguins decide to move on from Jake Guentzel, they want a big package in return.
PITTSBURGH – With the trade deadline closing in on the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins are likely going to see a lot of reports surrounding their leading scorer. Jake Guentzel is in the final year of his contract and without a clear future in Pittsburgh, his name has appeared quite a bit in early trade rumors.
The Penguins don’t seem ready to trade away Guentzel, but if the wheels fall off before the trade deadline, they might not have a choice but to pull the trigger. Radio analyst Rick Dhaliwal has stated previously that the Vancouver Canucks could be a good destination for Guentzel. The Canucks organization is already loaded with former Penguins, another high-level player would make sense.
Guetnzel isn’t officially on the market as the Penguins continue to fight for a playoff spot, but Dhaliwal believes a price has been set for multi-time 40-goal scorer. Dhaliwal believes the asking price for Guentzel is a first round draft pick, a top prospect, and an NHL ready player.
"I talked to Guentzel's agent this week, he's taking it slow," Dhaliwal said. "The deadline is still weeks away. The problem with Guentzel is the cost is going to be high. We're looking at a first rounder, a top prospect, and a player."
Dhaliwal also noted the raise Guentzel is due to receive this summer regardless of what team he is playing for. Canucks' president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford signed Guentzel to the deal he's on now and has an obvious connection with the player.
A pick, a prospect, and a player are three large pieces that make Guentzel’s price a tough one to pay for any team. That kind of ask also goes to show that the Penguins know what Guentzel is worth and if they have to lose him, they want a substantial return.
Guentzel has been a crucial member of the Penguins lineup through the first half of the season, putting up a team leading 44 points (18G-26A) in 39 total games.
Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.
- Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube
- Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins