Jake Guentzel Didn't Want to be Traded from Penguins

If it was up to Jake Guentzel, he'd still be a Pittsburgh Penguin. Guentzel and his new team, the Carolina Hurricanes were in Pittsburgh on Tuesday night, in his first game back since being dealt to the 'Canes ahead of this season's trade deadline. Guentzel made one thing clear after the game, he didn't want to leave.

My intention was to stay. They just thought there was a better direction, to go a different way. It's out of my hands, not my choice.

Guentzel was dealt to the Hurricanes for a package that included Michael Bunting, a player Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has known since he was 14 years old. It was the second time Dubas made a blockbuster trade during his first season in Pittsburgh and it's become quite obvious with the fan base, they weren't happy about either. Even Sidney Crosby wasn't thrilled with seeing Guentzel moved to the Hurricanes, as this season has turned into a disaster in Pittsburgh.

Jake Guentzel and his family are emotional as he receives a standing ovation in his return to Pittsburgh 🥹 pic.twitter.com/oKNtOwJSd1

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 26, 2024

Dubas admitted moving Guentzel was a difficult decision as he felt it was best for the long-term success of the team. Which is kind of ironic considering the Penguins didn't receive any of the Hurricanes top prospects back in the trade, or a first-round pick.

The Penguins sit 31-30-10 on the season. Their power-play is one of the biggest reasons they are where they are, and the same can be said about the team's goaltending. Needless to say the bold moves Dubas has pulled off early on in his tenure have been questioned by just about everyone in Pittsburgh and it's starting to feel like Crosby wanting out is closer than it's ever been. Guentzel would love to reunite with his linemate, that's for sure.

Photo credit:  Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports