RUMOUR: Canucks Should Acquire Jake Guentzel From Penguins
Soon-to-be UFA Jack Guentzel could be on the move at the trade deadline, and the Vancouver Canucks should have him on their short list of trade interests.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports - RUMOUR: Canucks Should Acquire Jake Guentzel From PenguinsSoon-to-be UFA Jack Guentzel could be on the move at the trade deadline, and the Vancouver Canucks should have him on their short list of trade interests.
Guentzel is having another terrific season for the Pittsburgh Penguins with 42 points (17 goals, 25 assists) in 36 games this season. He is currently in the last year of his five-year, $30,000,000 contract.
The connection between Guentzel and the Canucks is that Jim Rutherford is the one who signed him to that contract in Pittsburgh. Rutherford is the President of Hockey Operations in Vancouver.
Guentzel does have a 12-team no-trade list on his contract, and reports suggest that Vancouver is on the list.
The Penguins sit two points out of the second wild card spot with a record of 18-14-4. They haven't quite had the season they've been wanting, especially after they acquired Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks.
Guentzel is a core piece for the Pens, and if they are even remotely close to a postseason appearance, the likelihood of trading the American winger is close to 0%.
Given his career success and name, Guentzel would likely carry a high price at the deadline. He's been anchored to a line with Sidney Crosby since he entered the league in 2016-17.
The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston believe Guentzel would be a better fit for the Edmonton Oilers or New York Rangers.
His relationship with Rutherford might determine where he wants to go should he get traded.
The Canucks adding a shoot-first winger to their already No. 1 offense in the NHL would only make them a stronger Stanley Cup contender. Vancouver has scored 142 goals this season and averages 3.84 goals per game.
Figuring out what the Canucks could give up for Guentzel is hard due to the uncertainty of Guentzel even getting traded. A player like Vasily Podkolzin could be on the table. The 22-year-old was a first round draft pick in 2020. Podkolzin will also be a RFA at the end of the season.
Podkolzin hasn't had the best of success at the NHL level, and a change of scenery could be good for his development. Playing in Pittsburgh would give him the opportunity to play in the NHL full-time.
If Guentzel is available at the March 8 trade deadline, the Canucks need to acquire him.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.