Jake Guentzel Will Once Again Lead Penguins in Goals
The Pittsburgh Penguins will be led in goal scoring by Jake Guentzel for the third consecutive season.
Jake Guentzel may miss the first few games of the season, but he should have no problem leading the Pittsburgh Penguins in goals for the third consecutive year.
Despite potting 36 goals for the Penguins in 2022-23, Guentzel is looking to improve after a self-proclaimed ‘down year.
President and general manager Kyle Dubas doesn’t believe that Guentzel will be out for long to start the season as he recovers from ankle surgery.
Dubas thinks Guentzel will be absent for only five games, leaving plenty of time for Guentzel to show his goal scoring ability.
For Guentzel, the goal scoring over/under has been set at 37.5, just a hair over where he finished last season.
37.5 also gives Guentzel the edge over captain Sidney Crosby who lists at 31.5.
Guentzel has spent the last few seasons showing why he is an elite talent in the NHL, yet he still falls short of the respect he deserves.
Aside from helping the Penguins get back to the postseason, there is a lot on the line for Guetnzel that an increase in production will have multiple personal benefits.
The 2023-24 season is the final year of Guentzel’s contract and the more he is able to produce, the bigger a new deal will be.
If things go perfect for Guetnzel, there’s no reason why he couldn’t enter next season as the highest paid forward on the roster.
Currently sitting at a $6 million average annual value, another 40-goal season could push Guentzel towards the $10 million mark.
Beyond contracts and the Penguins, Guentzel is also playing to prove he deserves role in international play.
The NHL plans on sending their players back to the Olympics in 2026 and a different World Cup style tournament in 2025.
Guentzel is one of the American goal scorers in the NHL yet doesn’t have a guaranteed spot on Team USA.
This season could be crucial in setting him up for his first ever international tournament.
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