{ "blocks": [ { "type": "video", "data": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/qbhW4nAL.mp4", "streached": true, "controls": true, "caption": "The Pittsburgh Penguins have shown interest in prospect Brayden Yager, but what does he bring to the table?", "image": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/qbhW4nAL-poster.jpg" }, "cdn": { "service": "jwplayer", "playlistUrl": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/qbhW4nAL.m3u8", "sources": [ { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/qbhW4nAL.m3u8", "type": "application/vnd.apple.mpegurl" }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/qbhW4nAL-PleLi0gz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 180, "width": 320, "label": "180p", "bitrate": 285450, "filesize": 3996303, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/qbhW4nAL-TPyFHjSz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 270, "width": 480, "label": "270p", "bitrate": 377789, "filesize": 5289056, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/qbhW4nAL-j3UGax3n.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 720, "width": 1280, "label": "720p", "bitrate": 1117830, "filesize": 15649629, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/qbhW4nAL-KwtrUhfG.m4a", "type": "audio/mp4", "label": "AAC Audio", "bitrate": 113865, "filesize": 1594123 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/qbhW4nAL-hoWDbBur.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 360, "width": 640, "label": "360p", "bitrate": 383204, "filesize": 5364860, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/qbhW4nAL-TcGp53GP.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 540, "width": 960, "label": "540p", "bitrate": 654546, "filesize": 9163646, "framerate": 30 } ] } } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Jake Guentzel already has a contract that will run him through the 2023-24 season, but the Pittsburgh Penguins need to make him a priority and sign him to an early extension." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "One of Kyle Dubas’ first orders of business as the Penguins president of hockey operations should be to extend Guentzel at a reasonable price before the dollar amount increases." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Right now, Guentzel make $6 million against the salary cap and is going to get a raise no matter what, but how high does his number go?" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "According to projections from the Athletic, if Guentzel was to sign an extension this summer he could start making $9.2 million per year starting in 2024-25." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "That kind of money would make him the highest paid player on the Penguins, but for good reason." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Guentzel is an underrated superstar in the NHL and worth every dime he earns; through his 453 game career, he has scored 197 goals and 414 points." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Penguins will have the cap space to fit a large deal like that one their books, and if the cap goes up like it’s supposed to, it’ll be an even more impressive signing." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "One thing that Penguins fans love to hang their hat on, however, is how this team has carried so many star players for so many years with team-friendly deals." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Sidney Crosby never made more than $8.7 million against the cap; Evgeni Malkin maxed out under $10 million; Kris Letang sat at $7.25 million; even Marc-Andre Fleury's biggest paychecks didn't come from the Penguins." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Fans will hope that Guentzel follows the leaders and take a small cut, but he shouldn't demand the sun and the moon." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Penguins need to find a way to lock up Guentzel sooner rather than later; he’s coming off of a self-proclaimed ‘down year’ and will be looking to bounce back in 2023-24." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "If Guentzel finds a new rhythm at the age of 29, and doesn’t have a contract signed ahead of time, there’s no telling how much he could request." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more!" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Draft Profiles: Calum Ritchie" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Must Draft the Best Player Available at 14th Overall" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Announce Dates, Roster for 2023 Development Camp" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Named Possible Landing Spot for Noah Hanifin" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Yet To Start Contract Talks with Tristan Jarry" } }, { "type": "list", "data": { "style": "unordered", "items": [ "Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube", "Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins" ] } } ] }

Projecting Jake Guentzel's Next Contract With the Penguins