In the recent Insider Trading segment on TSN, Pierre LeBrun highlights Jake Guentzel of the Pittsburgh Penguins as the primary target for the Edmonton Oilers. Although uncertainties surround Guentzel’s availability, he remains their preferred choice. Elliotte Friedman echoed this sentiment on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast, stating, “If Guentzel is available, my opinion is that’s (the Oilers) guy. That’s the guy they’d like to get.” Essentially, the Oilers surveyed the market, identified their needs, and concluded that Guentzel fits the bill.
Guentzel emerges as arguably the top winger available at this season’s NHL Trade Deadline, provided the Penguins don’t extend his contract and instead opt to trade him.
Edmonton is in search of a top-six winger to bolster the team’s second line. While the Oilers experimented with Corey Perry alongside Evander Kane and Leon Draisaitl on Friday night with positive results, Guentzel offers a superior option. He’s a legitimate top-line player with 22 goals and 51 points in 49 games this season, posing a significant scoring threat. Moreover, his compatibility with star centers would elevate the Oilers’ offensive lineup, potentially making them the most formidable top six in the NHL.
Despite being linked to other players such as Sean Walker, Scott Laughton, Chris Tanev, Jordan Eberle, and Vladimir Tarasenko, none match Guentzel’s caliber, according to reports. He remains their top priority, and all other trade options will have to wait, especially if other teams demand a first-round pick. The Oilers intend to retain this pick as leverage in case Guentzel becomes available.
It’s important to note that Guentzel would be a short-term rental for the Oilers, given his pending unrestricted free agent status and the high asking price for his next contract, potentially exceeding $10 million per season. A long-term deal is unfeasible, especially with pending contract extensions for key players like Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard, and others.
This strategic move demonstrates Edmonton’s pursuit of the perfect fit. They are prepared to wait for Guentzel to become available, potentially sacrificing their first-round pick for a temporary boost during a playoff run.
Friedman further suggested that the recent defeat of the Edmonton Oilers by the Vegas Golden Knights didn’t sit well with the team. It put an end to their impressive 16-game winning streak and prevented them from securing a share of an NHL record. This loss has heightened the Oilers’ eagerness to pursue Guentzel, someone deemed a game-changer. According to Friedman, “Watching that game the other night, I think the Oilers look at it like ‘If we’re going to beat these guys in a 7-game series we have to be a four-line team.’” Guentzel’s addition to the top six would enhance the team’s depth and competitiveness.
