Penguins Rumors: Jake Guentzel on Pittsburgh's Radar

At the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, the Pittsburgh Penguins made a tough decision by trading Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes. With extension talks not leading to a new deal and the Penguins not holding a playoff spot, they elected to move him instead of running the risk of losing him for nothing in free agency.

However, it appears that the Penguins have not closed the door on a potential reunion with Guentzel. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, "it would be a stunner" if the Penguins didn't target Guentzel if he hits the free-agent market.

There is no question that bringing back Guentzel would make sense for the Pens. He was Sidney Crosby's right-hand man while with the Penguins, and it would be great for them to bring him back because of it. Along with that, the Penguins are looking to get back to being a contender, and bringing back a player like Guentzel would help them with their efforts.

We will need to wait and see what happens with Guentzel from here. It is clear that the Hurricanes want to keep him around, but if they can't reach a new deal, look for Pittsburgh to target him heavily in July.