The Carolina Hurricanes are hoping to re-sign star forward Jake Guentzel before free agency starts on July 1. Guentzel, however, may have other ideas.
Where Things Stand Now
Per Pierre LeBrun, the Hurricanes and Guentzel are continuing to engage in contract negotiations. While the Hurricanes are hopeful a deal can be reached, LeBrun notes it may be tempting for Guentzel to test the free agent market.
Carolina hasn’t given up on trying to sign Jake Guentzel. Talks ongoing.
My sense is it’s going to be hard for him not to see what’s out there Monday, but ‘Canes still trying.— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 25, 2024
Successful Beginnings
Guentzel has experienced a great deal in his seven-year NHL career. During his rookie season in 2016-17, Guentzel emerged as a scorer in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Furthermore, Guentzel’s play helped the Pittsburgh Penguins win their second-straight Stanley Cup that season. In the next two seasons after that championship, Guentzel, with high expectations, would play in all 82 regular season games. Furthermore, Guentzel scored 40 goals during the 2018-19 season. Again, in those two seasons, Guentzel began to establish himself as a star not just with the Penguins, but in the entire NHL. Guenztel made his first All-Star team in 2020. The forward had truly become a star in the league.
The Star Forward Is in Unfamiliar Territory
The one thing Guentzel has not yet experienced in the NHL is free agency. After his early success, the Penguins awarded Guentzel with a contract extension that did not expire until the end of this past season. As LeBrun noted, the temptation to see what other teams may offer him might encourage him to hold off on negotiations with the Hurricanes.
Guentzel May Want to Cash in to the Highest Bidder
At age 29, Guentzel is in the prime of his career. He will probably make no less than $8.5 million for at least eight years. If Guentzel wants a certain price, he will most likely get it from someone. As the biggest name forward on the market, Guentzel will have many suitors.
Do the Hurricanes Have a Chance?
The Hurricanes were interested in Guentzel the second he became available last season. The Hurricanes were able to outbid other teams and bring Guentzel to Carolina. They also have an advantage that Guentzel is familiar with the team and how the organization operates. The Hurricanes also have a reputation for being willing to spend money to contend. A few off-seasons ago, the Hurricanes traded for defenceman Brett Burns to add goal-scoring talent to their blue line. Furthermore, their aggressive activity has been noted as something out of the ordinary for the Hurricanes.
This can help because it shows the Hurricanes are committed to winning now. Any player who enters free agency would like to sign with a contender. To answer the question posed, yes, the Hurricanes do have a chance to re-sign Guentzel. They are just as committed as anyone to winning.
The Ultimate Roadblock
As LeBrun noted, the temptation to test the free agency market may play a part in Jake Guentzel’s decision heading into July 1st. Guentzel may be interested in seeing what other teams may offer. The ultimate roadblock between a Guentzel reunion in Carolina may simply be dollars and cents. If Guentzel wants something different, or something Carolina cannot offer, than the situation will be out of their hands.
Main photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
