Jake Guentzel Wanted Extension With Penguins
Jake Guentzel referenced Pittsburgh Penguins 'direction' in response about potential return.
Jake Guentzel made his return to PPG Paints Arena roughly two weeks after being traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Carolina Hurricanes. He finished the evening with six shots on goal in just over 21 minutes of ice time, but the Penguins spoiled his homecoming with a 4-1 victory.
However, what Guentzel said following the game has grabbed the attention of many of the Penguins faithful.
"My intention was to stay. They thought there was a better direction."
Guentzel didn't directly state his intentions to sign elsewhere this offseason, but he hinted toward the fact that the Penguins may be leaning away from bringing him back.
The "direction" Guentzel is referencing is one that isn't foreign to the NHL. In fact, the Washington Capitals are seeing the rewards of a similar direction as they sit in poll position for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Last season, the Capitals moved on from players on expiring contracts Dmitry Orlov, Garnet Hathaway, Marcus Johansson, and Lars Eller in an effort to get younger in the offseason.
Penguins President/GM Kyle Dubas has already stated a similar goal, and trading Guentzel and Chad Ruhwedel may signify a similar plan being put in place for Pittsburgh.
If the Penguins are looking to follow the Capitals footsteps, Guentzel and Ruhwedel are only the first in a line of several players to be shown the door.
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