Penguins Rumors: Proposed Jake Guentzel Trade To Avalanche

The Pittsburgh Penguins have lost two out of three games coming out of the All-Star Break, further diminishing their chances at a playoff berth. Does that mean we're about three weeks away from a Jake Guentzel trade? A contract extension for the pending UFA seems more and more unlikely every day closer we get to the trade deadline on March 8th. 

If GM Kyle Dubas does decide to cash in on his star winger, he's expected to demand a huge haul. And according to senior hockey insider Frank Seravalli, the Colorado Avalanche have the need, and the draft picks, to do it. 

He suggests that the Avs send two first-round picks (2024 and 2025) plus a 2025 third-rounder, in exchange for Guentzel and goalie Alex Nedeljkovic. And with Colorado having just $1.2 million in cap room at the moment, he also suggests a 50% retention by the Pens on Guentzel's $6 million cap hit.

Playing Deadline Matchmaker, @frank_seravalli shares his mock trade involving Jake Guentzel and the Colorado Avalanche. @tyleryaremchuk

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The Avalanche have been searching for a top-six option to add to their offense, and Guentzel would obviously provide that plus much more. As for the two first-rounders, Seravalli doesn't feel that's too steep for a team like Colorado that considers themselves a Cup contender. 

“Some people might be afraid or scared off by this price, two first-round picks,” Seravalli said. “Do you think Nathan MacKinnon cares about two first-round picks? I don't. He's having an all-world beast-mode season... 

"To me, I think this is something you shoot for if you're Colorado." That's IF Dubas decides to sell.

The Penguins are currently 11 points back of the Philadelphia Flyers for 3rd spot in the Metropolitan Division, but the Pens do have five games in hand. They're also seven points back of the Detroit Red Wings for the second Wild Card spot in the East, with three games in hand. Pittsburgh needs to go a run, and soon, or their star forward could be on the move. Maybe even to Colorado.  

Guentzel is having another point-per-game season with 51 in 49 contests thus far including 22 goals and 29 assists. This is his seventh consecutive 20+ goal season.

Photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports