Huge development in Penguins' trading Jake Guentzel

The Pittsburgh Penguins continue their free fall in the Eastern Conference after a dismal weekend and now sit 10 points out of a playoff spot. President/GM Kyle Dubas has no choice but to make a slew of bold moves ahead of the trade deadline as he's looking to make the Pens roster younger and more affordable for future flexibility.

Jake Guentzel remains out of the lineup but he is expected back next week. Guentzel's trade talks have taken off in a major way of late as he's the #1 forward available. While there has been a long list of suitors reach out, so far no advanced talks, however that could easily change as Pierre LeBrun is reporting on some legit suitors:

The sense is the Penguins after that road trip have a very clear sense of what needs to be done before Friday's deadline. And charting a course accordingly. Exploring all options with view to bolster the club for the future. Hearing there's 6-plus legit suitors for Guentzel, VGK…

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 4, 2024

Elliotte Friedman via 32 Thoughts mentioned there could be some appeal to having teams negotiate a contract extension with Guentzel prior to completing a deal which could turn up the heat in a major way:

Big question: will Pittsburgh give anyone permission to talk extension with the talented winger? That could open the market, because teams who are not in position to win this year — but hope to be next year — may enter the fray. Current contenders include Vegas, Florida, Carolina with Edmonton and Vancouver as longer shots. Complete and total wild card: Nashville, simply because they are looking for offence and surging.

While the destination remains unknown at this time, fully expect to see Guentzel moved by Dubas ahead of the March 8 trade deadline as times are a changing in Pittsburgh.

Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports