Winger Jake Guentzel is set to be one of the top players in this year’s UFA class. The Hurricanes haven’t given up on trying to re-sign the veteran, per The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta (Twitter link) who adds that the Kings and Red Wings are among the teams that are expected to show interest should the 29-year-old make it to the open market. Guentzel split the season between Pittsburgh and Carolina, who made him their big addition at the trade deadline. He’s coming off his third-straight 30-goal campaign and has averaged over a point per game in four of the last five years. Guentzel also had a good playoff showing, notching nine points in 11 contests, and is just below a point per game for his postseason career. That certainly has him well-positioned to earn a significant raise on the $6MM he has been making since 2019-20.
Other news on the free agent front:
- Discussions are ongoing between the Lightning and captain Steven Stamkos, Pagnotta relays (Twitter link). Stamkos made it known going back to training camp in the fall that he wasn’t pleased that a new deal wasn’t in place with the team preferring to let the season play out. His frustration didn’t show in his play, however, as he put up 40 goals and 41 assists in 79 games, surpassing the point-per-game threshold for the seventh time in eight years. While the 34-year-old will one day slow down, it looks like he has several good years still to come, meaning he’ll have a strong market should he actually get to free agency on Monday.
- The Stars are continuing discussions with pending UFA blueliner Chris Tanev, relays Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic (Twitter link). The 34-year-old proved to be a strong pickup at the trade deadline, helping to anchor their back end through a run to the Western Conference Final. Tanev finished the season with 19 points and a career-best 207 blocks in 75 games between Calgary and Dallas and will have strong interest next week; LeBrun puts the Maple Leafs as one of his likely suitors.
- Blackhawks RFA Reese Johnson is not expected to receive a qualifying offer, his agent Michael O’Rafferty told Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus of The Athletic (subscription link). The 25-year-old was limited to just 42 games this season while also dealing with a concussion. Johnson had five points and 109 hits in those appearances while averaging a little less than 11 minutes a night. His qualifying offer comes in at just under $900K with arbitration rights but it appears Chicago will let someone else get a chance on their fourth line.
Tanev and Guentzal are both perfect fits with their current teams, be a shame if they can’t work something out to stay put.
According to David Pagnotta, Stamkos’ representatives says it’s “status quo”?…That’s a vague statement. What does status quo actually mean here? That’s he’s still unsigned? That’s not an update lol.
What’s odd about this situation is there hasn’t been any inklings from either side which both parties want in the deal unlike with other potential UFAs that are ongoing. Last year with both Alex Killorn & Ross Colton there was inklings of what was actually going on in the negotiations but that’s not the case with Stamkos.
I guess because situations are differing from last offseason to this offseason, one can only go to the old saying that “no news is good news.” Only time will tell as many insiders believe a deal will go down the wire but will get done.
If Jake (somehow) drops back towards $8 M AAV x 7, Pens might want to circle back IF he’s willing to take less than a full NTC.
Give him a few more years with Sid and then trade him again when the real rebuild starts.
Rumors are that he rejected 8×8 from the Canes so I cant see that happening. I have a feeling he will get at least 9mil.
Agreed.
Hence the “if Jake”, the (somehow) and the “drops back”.
Highly unlikely, but what if he loves fries on his food…the Pens should at least consider it if his market doesn’t develop as anticipated.
8×8 or 9×8 for a 29yo, that won’t end well. Any smart GM would pass on that
He’s going to be 30, way too young for the Pens. They can circle back to him in 2029.
8 mill NMC for 7 years for 30 goals and 65 to 70 games? Rob love the fleecing you did with the PLD and the caps but let’s not follow it up with something stupid like this. Jake is a great player but not an 8 mill player. Go get Stephenson and Monahan for 9 mill total and get 40+ goals and 90 points combined for less term and more depth
BrisBois is just saving money so he can sign a plug to an 8 year deal.
As much as I would love to see Guentzel be Bedards wing man the cost and his age I don’t think I would pay the price if I’m Kyle Davidson. I would go for a younger guy and take a chance on that guy developing with Bedard rather than be his leader. Not sure the Hawks don’t actually have that guy already but it’s a lock he won’t be here next year via prospect. Kurashev turned into a nice piece with Bedard but that can surely be improved upon. Not sure UFA is the way to go as those guys always seem to be over priced.
The Blackhawks are struggling to add a veteran presence to their team. Why not resign Kane to a 2 year contract? As for Johnson, I wish him the best and the Blackhawks should play other prospects. Draft Demidov!