Amid swirling rumors that Pittsburgh Penguins star winger Jake Guentzel could be traded, fans and media are engaged in discussions about the potential move.
While trading Guentzel would signal the end of an era for Pittsburgh, some argue that dealing the former 40-goal scorer could be a sensible decision, especially considering his impending unrestricted free agency this summer.
Once regarded as the Penguins’ young secret weapon during back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning campaigns, Guentzel, now 29 years old, finds himself at a different stage in his career.
Despite this, he continues to perform well, boasting a +12 overall rating and already reaching 50 points (22 goals, 28 assists) heading into Friday’s game against Minnesota. This puts him just 23 points shy of matching his total from last season.
While Guentzel’s continued productivity is undeniable, the decision facing Kyle Dubas, the president of hockey operations and general manager, hinges more on forecasting Guentzel’s long-term value to the franchise.
Why trading Guentzel is a logical move
Guentzel is entering the final year of a five-year, $30 million contract he signed in 2018, when he was about to embark on his third NHL season. At that time, Pittsburgh’s Stanley Cup prospects were promising, with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin at their peak.
Fast forward to the present, and while Crosby remains a top-tier player, the same cannot be said for Malkin. The Penguins, currently fifth in the Metropolitan Division, trail Philadelphia by seven points for the final wild-card spot.
It’s becoming evident that a rebuilding phase is looming for the Penguins. This doesn’t necessarily entail a decade-long process to return to contention, but it may necessitate a pause rather than a frantic push to make the playoffs this season.
At present, the team does not pose a credible threat for the Stanley Cup. Guentzel, however, represents the only player who could yield sufficient value in a trade.
Furthermore, re-signing Guentzel to a new contract would require a significant investment in a player approaching his 30s. Meeting his potential demands on the open market would limit resources available for the rest of the roster.
Dealing Guentzel could potentially spark internal discord, particularly because of the close relationship he shares with Crosby. Before Dubas proceeds with any trade involving Guentzel, he must ensure it doesn’t disrupt the cohesion within the team.
Losing his trusted linemate could compel Crosby to build chemistry with a new teammate midway through the season. Furthermore, removing one of the team’s most skilled and beloved players from the locker room could convey a message that winning is no longer the top priority for the season.
Despite the team’s current struggles, Pittsburgh still has time to reverse its fortunes. Crosby and his teammates have previously rallied from adversity to make the playoffs. Given their history, maintaining a belief in the “anything can happen in the Stanley Cup playoffs” mindset remains reasonable.
