Last week, Elias Lindholm was taken off the trade table. Among the names likely to move, he was arguably the most valuable. However, if the Pittsburgh Penguins were to make Jake Guentzel available, he would instantly become the most impactful asset on the market. He ranks sixth all-time in playoff goals per game among players with at least 50 games under their belt.
The Penguins currently sit five points out of a playoff position with two games in hand on the Detroit Red Wings. They hold a 60 percent chance of making the postseason. If you’re Kyle Dubas, would you consider trading Jake Guentzel?
On one hand, such a move could fetch a significant return — a first-round pick, a prospect, and an NHL roster player, mirroring the Lindholm deal (in addition to Bo Horvat and Timo Meier last year). On the other hand, trading Guentzel might signify the end of an era in Pittsburgh, which could be tough for franchise legends Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang to accept.
MATT LARKIN: (Assertively) Do it, Kyle. Paradoxically, trading Guentzel wouldn’t undermine Crosby, Malkin, and company; it could actually rejuvenate the team. Currently, the Pens are in a deadlock with the Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild, competing for the unofficial title of being ‘Mid.’ It’s been six years since their last playoff series win. Crosby, at 36, is still remarkable enough to warrant building a team around him that could contend when he’s 38. By acquiring a top prospect for Guentzel and leveraging multiple first-round picks, Pittsburgh could construct a team with genuine championship aspirations down the line. Continually scraping through to first-round defeats or narrow playoff misses isn’t truly honoring Sid, is it?
SCOTT MAXWELL: While I agree with Matt’s rationale, prioritizing long-term success might not align with the team’s immediate goal: winning a Stanley Cup with the current roster. Guentzel’s production and value are hard to replace, even with his impending contract negotiation. Yet, the cap space freed up by Jeff Carter’s departure should help bridge the gap. Sam Reinhart is an option in free agency, but Guentzel’s sustainable production outweighs his potential cost. Addressing issues like Rickard Rakell’s production and Todd Reirden’s coaching could bolster the team’s chances in a relatively weak Eastern Conference. Ultimately, Dubas’ decision might hinge on Guentzel’s contract intentions.
MIKE GOULD: It’s a balancing act, but I lean towards trading Guentzel. The Penguins will strive to remain competitive as long as Crosby, Malkin, and Letang are around. However, Dubas must recognize that the real challenge lies in the post-‘big three’ era. It’s time to stockpile assets for a seamless transition to a new core once the current stars depart. Guentzel’s trade value could fetch significant returns, aiding Pittsburgh’s future prospects.
STEVEN ELLIS: Tough call, Matt. But I’d opt to sell. Crosby likely understands that the team’s current makeup won’t lead to immediate success. Selling Guentzel now allows the Penguins to quickly regain assets. It’s doubtful Guentzel would want to commit long-term to a team headed for a rebuild. Plus, he doesn’t necessarily need to join a contender – imagine him alongside Connor Bedard in Chicago. Depending on the return, Pittsburgh could bolster its roster swiftly and make the most of Crosby’s remaining years.
