PUCKREPORTER | NHL TEAM | PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

REPORT: Pending UFA Star Forward Brushes Away Kyle Dubas And The Penguins

PUBLICATION

Samer Dagher
January 7, 2024 (5:43 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Forward Jake Guentzel of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrating a goal with teammates Sidney Crosby, Evgeny Malkin and Kris Letang

Photo credit: NHL Shop

A major report regarding Jake Guentzel's future with the Pittsburgh Penguins has emerged.

Jake Guentzel Not Interested In Talking Contract During The Season According To His Agent

Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period has reported that as of today, Jake Guentzel of the Pittsburgh Penguins is not interested in pursuing any contract negotiations until the season has completed.

As I mentioned earlier today on
@NHLNetwork
, as of today it sounds like Jake Guentzel is likely going to wait until the end of the season before getting into any serious contract discussions with the #LetsGoPens. He's eligible to become a UFA this July.

Must read on PuckReporter

Leon Draisaitl's suspension fate confirmed by NHL Player Safety

Oilers fan who flashed the internet breaks silence in a new interview

Guentzel, a key player in the final year of his current contract, is due for a significant raise from his current $6 million salary. Although negotiations for an extension haven't started, the 29 year old is leading the Penguins with 43 points this season.

Here is what Jake Guentzel's agent, Ben Hankinson, stated on the situation during a podcast on Sirius XM NHL:

«He's on the last year of a deal. The good news is I have a really good relationship with Kyle Dubas. Jake Guentzel is in a great spot. He started his career there. It's no secret the team is getting older. There are some Hall of Fame players on that team. What's going to happen, I don't know. But I'm going to lean on conversations I've already had with Kyle, including in the summer, including conversations with Jake. I think the good thing is we'll all be on the same page. Could it get ugly? Yes, it could. Kyle has to make decisions, too, which way the team is going and the investment he's going to make with Jake. Is it the same direction? It's going to come down to how they play and we'll put our heads together. And like we talked about a couple of minutes ago, all the things that go into trade deadlines, (Kyle) might look into what he can get for Jake or what it costs to sign him. There's a lot that will happen in two months, and I don't know the answers to that. But I do know Jake loves Pittsburgh. He's a hockey player. He's had some good success and fun in that city. We'll see.»

Despite his love for Pittsburgh and chemistry with Sidney Crosby, there have been no talks between the Penguins and Guentzel's camp, and he is comfortable waiting to assess the team's short and long-term future before committing to a long-term extension.

With the Penguins having around $18 million in cap space next season, it's expected that serious negotiations may wait until the off-season, allowing Guentzel to better understand the team's direction.

Do you think the Penguins will resign Guentzel?

Previously on PuckReporter

Sabres Organization Suspends Player Over His Commitment To Education

Kevin Bieksa Publicly Calls Out NHL Player In The Dirtiest Way Possible

REPORT: Insider Reveals 3-Team Trade Is Currently In The Works

POLL
7 JANVIER \| 227 ANSWERS REPORT: Pending UFA Star Forward Brushes Away Kyle Dubas And The Penguins Do you think Guentzel will resign with the Penguins?
Yes	94	41.4 %
No	133	58.6 %
List of polls