Jake Guentzel: The price is known for the Habs, and it's big!
After a strong end to the season and satisfying playoffs, Jake Guentzel is reportedly already on the trade market. He will become a free agent in less than three weeks if the Carolina Hurricanes cannot reach an agreement with him.
Even though there is still hope for the Canes, it is not easy to convince an unrestricted free agent not to test the market, especially when many teams are ready to bid high for a natural 40-goal scorer.
Kent Hughes and his counterparts now know the cost to acquire the player's rights before July 1, but there is no guarantee that he will sign with the club that acquires him. It's quite a risk when you think about it...
Jake Guentzel Placed on Trade Market: Hurricanes Asking for a Simple First-Round Pick in Exchange for His Services
It is agreed that the Canadiens' first pick would be the 26th selection in the 2024 NHL Draft. Forget about the fifth overall pick to acquire the rights to negotiate with him.
Similarly, it is expected that the team willing to pay a first-round pick for the rights would have the certainty of reaching a contract extension with number 59.
Would you pay this price?
It seems that (Jake Guentzel) is available for a first-round pick. I believe Carolina has made it known to everyone that if you want to trade for his rights, to have the chance to sign him, it's possible in exchange for a first-round pick.» - Elliotte Friedman
Although Guentzel has shown that he is among the NHL's offensive elite, there are still some concerns about his future performance. With the Pittsburgh Penguins, he played alongside Sidney Crosby. Upon his arrival with the Canes, he was paired with Sebastian Aho. These are dominant centers in the league. Can he produce as much with someone like Nick Suzuki or a young center like Macklin Celebrini or Will Smith?
At 29 years old, Jake Guentzel amassed 25 points in 17 games this season with the Carolina Hurricanes and 52 points in 50 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He missed 15 games due to an injury.
In his career, he has 491 points in 520 games. This average of nearly a point per game could be enticing for many executives looking to boost their team's offensive power. Oh! This includes Kent Hughes...
Over the past few years, his offensive production has established him as one of the best offensive wingers in the league. Will he be able to offer the same level in a new environment different from Pittsburgh or Carolina, even though the sample size with the Canes was rather small?
Only time will tell...
Credit: HABSolumentFan
The Hurricanes reveal the asking price for Jake Guentzel's rights
| POLL | ||
Would you accept to trade your 26th overall pick in the 2024 NHL entry draft to Carolina for Jake Guentzel's rights? | ||
| Yes | 194 | 41.2 % |
| No | 277 | 58.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
