Penguins Offer Huge Update on Jake Guentzel’s Trade Deadline Status
The Pittsburgh Penguins have provided a recent update on the trade deadline situation regarding forward Jake Guentzel. Regarded as the top forward option leading up to Friday, there are reports suggesting multiple teams are interested in acquiring him. The Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes, and several other teams are reportedly part of the trade talks.
With that in mind, a trade for Guentzel could happen sooner rather than later, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.
Insiders suggest that the Penguins aim to finalize a trade for Jake Guentzel by tomorrow evening. Pittsburgh prefers receiving high-quality assets over a larger quantity in return, seeking a first-round pick, a promising young NHL player, and additional prospects. They are willing to be flexible regarding the caliber of prospects or existing roster players involved in the deal.
Chris Johnston also mentioned that it is anticipated for Guentzel to be traded by the Penguins as a short-term rental. There seems to be little interest from potential acquiring teams in negotiating a contract extension as part of the trade.
David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period highlighted that the Penguins are expected to trade Jake Guentzel. He is considered the top available forward rental, and if Pittsburgh receives their desired price (which has attracted significant interest), they will likely move him before the 3 pm ET deadline on Friday.
The trade involving Guentzel is likely to trigger a series of subsequent trades at the deadline. Teams that miss out on acquiring him will swiftly shift to their backup options, setting the market for forward rentals. While some may argue that the market was already influenced by the Elias Lindholm trade, the final week leading up to the deadline creates a unique environment where deals are swiftly put together as both buyers and sellers realize time is running out.
