Jake Guentzel #59 of the Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins made a bold move ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, opting to become “sellers” and part ways with winger Jake Guentzel, shipping him off to the Carolina Hurricanes in a bid to shake up their roster.
Following a postseason miss, the Penguins are wasting no time in their quest to fortify their lineup, especially to support their captain Sidney Crosby‘s championship aspirations. With the departure of Guentzel, attention has turned to finding a suitable replacement, and one name that has emerged in discussions is Colorado Avalanche pending free agent Jonathan Drouin.
Renowned hockey analyst Dan Kingerski, now with Pittsburgh Hockey Now, has pointed to Drouin as a potential candidate to fill the void left by Guentzel’s departure. In a recent analysis, Kingerski highlighted Drouin’s ability to potentially step into a top-six role with the Penguins, suggesting he could bring the skill and depth needed to complement the team’s core.
Drouin, who turned 29 in March 2024, recently completed a one-year bridge deal with the Avalanche, showcasing his capabilities with an impressive resurgence during the past season. Despite facing scrutiny in recent years for not meeting his potential, Drouin enjoyed a stellar campaign with the Avalanche, recording career highs in goals, assists, and points.
Analysts such as Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic project Drouin to command a significant contract in the upcoming offseason, reflecting his standout performance with the Avalanche. While Drouin’s agent, Allan Walsh, has confirmed discussions with Avalanche management regarding a potential extension, the team faces challenges due to salary cap constraints and uncertain futures for key players like Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin.
Meanwhile, Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas has made it clear that the franchise’s focus lies in acquiring draft picks and young talent rather than pursuing major signings in free agency. Dubas emphasized the importance of infusing the team with youthful vigor while maintaining a balance with veteran leadership.
With the Penguins adopting a strategic approach centered on youth development, it remains to be seen whether they will pursue Drouin in earnest or explore alternative avenues to enhance their roster. As the offseason progresses, the dynamics of the NHL landscape are sure to evolve, offering both challenges and opportunities for teams like the Penguins and the Avalanche as they navigate the intricacies of player acquisitions and contract negotiations.
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