PITTSBURGH – Former Pittsburgh Penguins star Jake Guentzel may be on a tear with the Carolina Hurricanes, but a quick reunion isn’t completely out of the question. Guentzel is due to become a free agent at the end of the season and is expected to test the market.
Guentzel will have plenty of interest from teams around the league, but according to Josh Yohe of the Athletic, the Penguins may be in that race.
“Team sources have told me in recent days not to be surprised if he signs with the Penguins again this summer,” Yohe writes. “Do I think he will? No. But I think it’s in play.”
The Penguins had all season to extend Guentzel, but they ultimately decided to trade him to the Hurricanes. While the move wasn't in the best interest of many on the team, things may line up perfectly for him to return.
The salary cap is expected to increase by about $4.5 million next season, and the Penguins should see a few moves that free up even more room.
If the Penguins can get Guentzel on a team-friendly deal, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t take a swing at him. The familiarity is already there and his skill won’t diminish any time soon.
In five games with the Hurricanes, Guentzel has eight points and will surely be a big piece to their playoff success. Depending on how the season finishes for Guentzel, it’s entirely possible he will make north of $10 million annually on his next deal.
That may be too steep for the Penguins, but his return isn’t entirely out of the question.
Key faces around the organization weren’t happy to see Guentzel leave at the deadline, but they probably wouldn’t mind seeing him return for the 2024-25 season.
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