Penguins Rumors: Could Jake Guentzel Return To Pittsburgh?

Speculation abounds regarding the potential return of Jake Guentzel to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Despite initial doubts stemming from salary constraints, recent conversations with team sources have left room for reconsideration. If Guentzel's asking price hovers around $8 million annually rather than the previously speculated $10 million, there's a chance he could reunite with the Penguins, according to Josh Yohe and Lyle Richardson.

However, analysts caution that competition from other teams, buoyed by Guentzel's successful stint with the Carolina Hurricanes, could complicate matters.

W!

Sebastian Aho scores twice in the final 1:32 to with the extra attacker on to tie the game and then Jake Guentzel wins it in the shootout.

Just an insane come-from-behind victory.

5-4 is tonight's final. pic.twitter.com/qnwX6A4WBI

— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) March 17, 2024

Guentzel's history of stellar on-ice performances, including memorable playoff moments, coupled with his affable personality off the ice, has endeared him to Penguins faithful.

That being said, the direction Kyle Dubas and the Penguins take this offseason will be telling to whether a reunion with Guentzel is plausible.

Over his eight seasons spent with the Penguins, the 29-year-old amassed 219 goals and 247 assists for 466 total points across 503 games played.

New #Canes forward Jake Guentzel enters tonight’s contest with eight points in his last four games, including three straight multi-point performances.

He’s already faced the Flyers 29 times during the regular season over the course of his career, totaling 30 points against them. pic.twitter.com/xhIdOx9hJH

— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) March 21, 2024

As Penguins management navigates the upcoming offseason, strategies aimed at clearing cap space, potentially through trades involving veteran players like Reilly Smith and Rickard Rakell, as noted by Yohe, could signal a concerted effort to pave the way for Guentzel's return.

Since being acquired by the Hurricanes, Guentzel has put up two goals and eight total points over six games played. Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports