The Pittsburgh Penguins only do tribute videos for returning former players who won a Stanley Cup with them. The list of players who could be honored is growing shorter, and the team settled up Tuesday with the return and Penguins tribute to Jake Guentzel, now of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Guentzel, 29, spent parts of eight seasons with the Penguins, earning a Stanley Cup ring for his explosive offensive work in 2017. In 503 career games with the Penguins, Guentzel scored 219 goals and registered 466 points. He was the team’s third-round pick in 2013 from Nebraska-Omaha.
After Tuesday’s morning skate, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby acknowledged his close ties to his long-time friend and teammate.
“We sat next to each other (in the locker room), played together. When you win a Stanley Cup, there’s a unique bond,” Crosby said. “Besides that, the length of time (we played together) and some of the memories over the years, (the bond) is definitely a strong one.”
Guentzel also appeared to be a little bit emotional on the ice, circling to wave to fans, who were giving a raucous ovation.
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