Trade on the Horizon: Jake Guentzel Declines Major Contract Extension with Pittsburgh
Jake Guentzel isn't feeling the love from the team despite their hefty contract offer of $50 million over six years. Seems like Guentzel wants more than just big bucks and a long-term deal.
Guentzel, 29, is having a stellar season, racking up 22 goals and 49 points in just 46 games. Yet, with rumors swirling about the Pens potentially taking a step back and retooling, things are getting interesting. Elliotte Friedman dropped a bombshell suggesting a rethink in the Pens' strategy, which might include reassessing Guentzel's future.
If Guentzel keeps turning down offers, the Pens might face the harsh reality of trading him or losing their veteran to free agency.
The Guentzel Trade Package: What It'll Take to Pry Him Away
The price for the seven-year Penguin and 2017 Stanley Cup champion will undoubtedly start at a first-round pick, a top-notch prospect, and a young, solid NHL-ready player. It's a hefty price tag, especially for a rental, but Guentzel's no ordinary player. He has 219 goals and 463 points in 499 NHL games, which doesn't include his career playoff runs.
In 58 postseason games, he has 34 goals and 58 points. Yes, he's a point-per-game player in the playoffs on the team that, before last season, made the dance 16 consecutive times. He's only been there for six, but made his mark in 2017, with 13 goals and 21 points in 25 games, en route to a Cup.
The thing is, the Penguins hold the cards here. They could easily lock him down with a fresh contract, so they're not sweating over negotiations. It's a game of leverage, and right now, GM Kyle Dubas is playing it smart.
Keep your eyes peeled to see how Kyle Dubas navigates this situation in the coming weeks.
Source: The Hockey News
Report: Jake Guentzel Rejects Contract Offer From Penguins
| POLL | ||
Should the Pittsburgh Penguins trade Jake Guentzel after he declined a major contract extension offer? | ||
| Yes, | 1163 | 83.2 % |
| No | 234 | 16.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
