It appears just hours after General Manager Julien BriseBois acquired him, that Jake Guentzel is the man. At this time it is just being classified as a report, because as Frank Seravalli himself admits, details will probably not come until the morning. However, what the reported news is, is that Jake Guentzel signs an extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Any team that had been involved in Guentzel discussions were serious about winning, because you are adding a winner. Now, on the same day that the Lightning acquired him via trade with the Carolina Hurricanes, they have reportedly signed him to a deal. Pierre LeBrun says the deal is going to be for seven years.
Still not finalized, but all signs point to Tampa getting Jake Guentzel signed to a 7-year deal. I would expect an announcement sometime tomorrow before the market opens. The Bolts weren't going to trade for his rights without feeling good about their chances to get him signed. https://t.co/G2SHOPjvdw
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2024
Sniper Jake Guentzel Signs Contract With the Tampa Bay Lightning
At 29 years old, Jake Guentzel is coming off the best season in terms of points-per-game of his career. He scored 30 goals and added 47 assists for 77 points in 67 games played, good for a PPG of 1.15. Moreover, he did have strong PPG numbers previously including a 1.11 PPG in 76 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins back in 2020-21. In Pittsburgh, playing often on Sidney Crosby‘s flank is where he made his name. He is a four-time 30-goal scorer, and three times additionally scored 20 in an NHL season. One of most impressive performances actually came way back in his rookie season. That year the Pens won their second of back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships, and Guentzel was terrific in the playoffs. He scored an amazing 13 times in just 25 games. The Lightning are banking that if they make the playoffs, Guentzel can bring that type of offensive firepower.
What Does this Mean for the Tampa Bay Lightning
GM BriseBois had a busy couple of days, and it culminating with adding a big time goal scorer. He had just freed up a lot of salary cap space by moving Mikhail Sergachev and Tanner Jeannot, so you knew something was brewing. Also, with legendary Lightning lifer and sniper in his own right, Steven Stamkos known to be testing free agency, BriseBois didn’t want to sit back and watch things happen. He wanted to be proactive. Adding and then subsequently Jake Guentzel signs a deal, is sure that, proactive. Stay tuned for all the latest news as free agency kicks-off tomorrow, and we will see if BriseBois has any more magic left up his sleeve.
Main photo credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
