Since beginning his NHL career in 2016-17, Jake Guentzel has developed into one of the league’s most consistent scorers. As Sidney Crosby’s wingman, Guentzel has netted 169 even-strength goals — tied for eighth most over the past eight seasons. (His 217 total goals rank 19th.)
Guentzel’s contract, which pays him an average of $6 million per year, expires this summer, leading to speculation about his future with the Pittsburgh Penguins. General manager Kyle Dubas told team broadcaster Josh Getzoff last week that the Penguins “haven’t had any discussions with any other teams about Jake.”
If that changes before the March 8 trade deadline, Stanley Cup contenders should blow up Dubas’ phone. When it comes to generating high-quality offence, Guentzel is at the top of the list, leading the league with 29.7 expected goals.
Despite being listed at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Guentzel is most comfortable around the net. Nineteen of his 20 goals this season have come from the slot, as well as 67 per cent of his total shot attempts. Overall, 83.4 per cent of Guentzel’s career goals (181 of 217) have come from the slot.
In addition, Guentzel is excellent at keeping possessions alive in the offensive zone, recovering 80 loose pucks following failed shot attempts — tied for fifth most in the league. His 59 rebound recoveries are sixth most.
Perhaps most importantly, Guentzel is a proven playoff performer, recording 58 points in 58 games. He is one of 37 players in league history to appear in at least 50 postseason games and average a point or more. (For context, 1,264 players have played at least 50 playoff games.)
The Penguins are in a precarious position, trailing the Detroit Red Wings by seven points in the race for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Dubas went all-in in the offseason, adding Erik Karlsson to the Penguins’ stable of future Hockey Hall of Famers. It has not really clicked, though, and trading Guentzel would help restock the team’s barren prospect cupboard.
In terms of potential suitors, the Vancouver Canucks make a lot of sense. Coach Rick Tocchet and president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford were in Pittsburgh with Guentzel during the Penguins’ Stanley Cup wins in 2016 and 2017.
“The true test of Guentzel’s future is going to be where Pittsburgh thinks it’s going,” Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said on The Jeff Marek Show last week. “If the Penguins are going to be in a situation where they’re not going to be trading assets for help to win the Stanley Cup in the next couple of years, then I’m not sure Jake Guentzel’s going to stay there.”
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