As we approach that point in the season when the playoff picture becomes clearer and the trade deadline looms ahead, it's about that time that some big names get thrown into the trade speculation ring.
One of the big names this year is two time All Star and 2017 Stanley Cup champ Jake Guentzel, who becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Though, as Elliotte Friedman reports on the Saturday Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada, his departure from the Steel City is by no means a foregone conclusion.
"From what I understand, no determination has been made on his future in Pittsburgh," Friedman said. "But what I do think is the biggest factor here is where the Penguins think they're going as a franchise over the next couple years."
With a 20-15-5 record that plants them seventh in the Metropolitan Division yet just two points out of wild-card spot, the Penguins are now faced with difficult decisions.
Their dynastic core consisting of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang are getting older on top of an already-aging roster (their average age is 30.8, the oldest in the NHL) and new GM Kyle Dubas faces the choice between doubling down and making a playoff push in a difficult division, or throwing in the towel to begin the process of a roster rebuild.
This choice, Friedman believes, will be the deciding factor on Guentzel's future — whether that is in Pittsburgh or elsewhere.
The 29-year-old forward, who has spent the majority of his career on Crosby's left wing, would be an asset to any contending team, posting a point-per-game effort this season on top of two 40-goal campaigns already under his belt and a championship pedigree. As such, all eyes will be on GM Kyle Dubas as the March 8th deadline approaches.
Though, as Crosby continues to play some of the best hockey of his career, it's tough to count the Penguins out just yet.
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