Beyond the point of return?

Jake Guentzel’s return to Pittsburgh shows miscommunication between player and team

By Alex Hanczar

PITTSBURGH (March 28, 2024)—Just two weeks after being traded, Jake Guentzel made his return to Pittsburgh, this time as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes. 

The winger’s return was spoiled by a 4-1 Penguins victory, a rarity of late. 

After the game questions came flooding into Guentzel regarding what happened and what the future may hold. 

“My intention was to stay,” Guentzel said. “They just thought there was a better direction, a different way so it’s out of my hands and not my choice.” (Via NHL.com)

Some seemed surprised to hear what Guentzel said regarding his post-game interview. Many thought it was a mutual parting of ways but after the interview, some rethought.

Penguins’ fans reacted all over, but none more eye catching than the popular fan account “Penguins Jesus.”

Following the interview Penguins Jesus posted their opinions and thoughts on what was said. The tweet received so much traction that even Guentzel’s father took notice.

Jake Guentzel's dad beefing with Penguins Jesus. Jake Guentzel is GONE gone. pic.twitter.com/9n4VsP4hGF

— nhlpens (@nhlpens) March 27, 2024

Whether or not you believe this is the end of the road for Guentzel, the tweets and commotion after the game certainly started the rumor mill once more. 

The account that posted such screen shot above (nhlpens) even claimed that they believe this means the end of Guentzel’s tenure with Pittsburgh.

If this really is true and the tension between Pittsburgh and Guentzel is too far from recovery, it will be a sad day for fans, management and it sounds like even Guentzel himself. 

Jake Guentzel trade destinations dwindling

How the star winger may find himself back in Pittsburgh

By Alex Hanczar

PITTSBURGH (March 7, 2024)—With the 2023-24 NHL trade deadline under 24 hours away, the clock is ticking on Jake Guentzel.

A few days ago, it was almost a done deal that the Penguins winger would be on the move. Now, it is completely unpredictable where the former 40-goal scorer will end up.

The change of mindset comes after Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas set the asking price quite high for Guentzel. 

Sources say the Penguins are hoping to have a trade in place for Jake Guentzel by tomorrow evening. Pittsburgh is open to quality over quantity in return, but would like a 1st, young NHL player, plus prospects. Flexibility comes in the calibre of prospect or roster player.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 5, 2024

Teams like the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights were fiercely in the sweepstakes for the last few weeks but have since appeared to back off.

The Canucks have yet to make a big splash besides their eight-year signing of star center Elias Petersson. Rumors swirled of a potential three-team trade involving recently acquired Elias Lindholm on the move to Boston, while Vancouver would acquire Guentzel from the Pens.

The Canucks are reportedly now out on the Guentzel talks as the asking price was too steep.

In terms of Edmonton, they made their big move by trading for center Adam Henrique. Henrique will sure up a weak center position depth, aside from the obvious Connor McDavid. The Henrique signing does not totally rule out a Guentzel move but certainly makes it less likely.

For the Vegas Golden Knights, winger Mark Stone was recently placed on long-term injured reserve. This means a plethora of cap space has been freed up and they have not waited to jump at the opportunity. 

The second biggest fish in trade rumors was Noah Hanifin who Vegas traded for yesterday on March 6th. Vegas gave up two picks (including their first-rounder next season) and a prospect for the star defenseman. 

That is not all the Knights did though, as earlier in the week they acquired former Washington Capitals winger, Anthony Mantha. 

Once again, these signings do not completely rule out the potential of a Guentzel move, but strongly decrease its chances.

Penguins fans far and wide would be thrilled to keep their beloved winger but it will likely be a decision made tomorrow.

The Penguins meet the Washington Capitals in a metropolitan divison matchup tonight that could all but determine the remaining course of the season for the Pens, including what they do with Guentzel.

With a win, they put themselves directly into the playoff mix and could alter Guenzel’s asking price for a more current return. Whereas with a loss, Dubas could pull the trigger on a deal that has been brewing for several weeks.

In what shapes up to be a long night for Penguins management, fans anticipate a busy 24 hours for the franchise.