The Carolina Hurricanes are facing a summer with a lot of expiring contracts. Even though we are still in the swing of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, one of the newest Hurricanes has shot up the priority list of Hurricane’s free agents to re-sign due to his history, regular season play, and playoff performance. This is Jake Guentzel.
Jake Guentzel is a Must Re-Sign for Carolina
When Carolina acquired Jake Guentzel at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, they were looking for a game-changer who could produce offensively. They went (sort of) all in to win the sweepstakes to acquire the U.S.-born winger. (We say sort of because they really didn’t trade any of their top prospects or a first-round pick unless they make the Stanley Cup Final.) And if they were looking for a game changer, they have found one.
Everyone knows what Jake Guentzel has done historically before coming to Carolina. A Stanley Cup Champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, a top-line player flanking Sidney Crosby, and a point-per-game playoff producer. But the big question with acquiring new players, especially at the trade deadline, is how quickly can they build chemistry with their new team, if at all. But Guentzel has fit like a glove.
Top Line Wingers Don’t Grow on Trees
We all know that Guentzel will likely demand a lot if he hits the open market. We also know that there will be plenty of suitors. But that doesn’t come without any reason. And Carolina should be just as interested in keeping him on the team.
How many times has Carolina been looking for that extra offensive piece? Someone who can flank Aho and consistently produce. Andrei Svechnikov, Teuvo Teravainen, Martin Necas, and Seth Jarvis (who is also a must-re-sign) have all shown flashes of this ability from time to time. But none have arguably been as effective with Aho as Guentzel. Whether it has been Aho-Guentzel-Jarvis or Aho-Guentzel-Svechnikov, the line has been dominant. In the regular season, Guentzel put up eight goals and 17 assists in 25 games with Carolina. That is pretty remarkable coming over at the trade deadline. And it shows that his past performance (219 goals and 247 assists before coming to Carolina) is carrying through to his present.
So the skill is still there and the team and line chemistry is there. But this is where the basic rules of economics come in. Supply and demand. Top-line wingers of Guentzel’s ability don’t simply grow on trees. The ones that are available, everyone wants. After missing out on Matthew Tkachuk and Timo Meier, Carolina finally landed the big fish. And he fits the team. There is no reason they should not put significant effort into keeping him on board. Yeah, you don’t want to lose some long-term guys ideally, but depth players are much more easily replaceable. Not to mention Carolina might see younger players like Bradly Nadeau, Jackson Blake, and Felix Unger-Sorum getting opportunities.
The Playoff Punch
If there is something that Carolina has needed during their consistent playoff appearances of late, it is a game-changing, offensive player. Someone who can score a goal or make a play at the opportune time. Whether they win their series against the New York Rangers this year or not, Guentzel is showing that he can be a game-changer. With four goals and five assists in ten playoff games this year, Guentzel is showing he is worth the money. He has a knack for getting to the front of the net and also helps drive the offence for his line. As much as he can score himself, he equally sets up chances for his line.
If Carolina wants to take their team to the next level, they must re-sign Jake Guentzel. It’s a whole lot harder to go out and find someone else of this calibre than someone you already have on the team. And while we don’t know his deepest true feelings on playing in Carolina, indications are that he has enjoyed his time here. Not saying he will take a discount, but a contract is a two-way street. It sounds like the desire is there, and it’s worth the cost to Carolina.
Main Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
