Jake Guentzel of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Photo credit: NHL.com

LATEST | Jake Guentzel's agent issued a statement regarding his future: Uncertain future despite everything

Published January 6, 2024 at 1:17 PM
BY COOPER GODIN

There's no question that the Vancouver Canucks are in the market for a top-six forward as we slowly approach the the National Hockey League's trade deadline, which is set for Friday, March 8th.

Among the names that have been mentioned as potential fits and targets for Patrik Allvin and his group is Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jake Guentzel, someone who is very familiar with Vancouver's management staff.

In an interview on NHL Network radio, Guentzel's agent Ben Hankinson discussed his client's future with the Penguins and the potential of him being moved ahead of the trade deadline.

"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." Hankinson said.


He added, "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.

Guentzel, 29, is currently on pace for his seventh consecutive 20+ goal season and would be a fantastic addition to the Canucks roster if Allvin is able to get him.

The cost to acquire Jake Guentzel won't be cheap however and could cost multiple prospects and/or high draft picks. But with the Canucks wanting to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2020, they'll need to pay up to get top talent for a deep post-season run.

Should the Canucks make a deal with Pittsburgh for Jake Guentzel? Let us know what you think in the poll below!

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January 6   |   1018 answers
LATEST | Jake Guentzel's agent issued a statement regarding his future: Uncertain future despite everything

Should the Canucks make a deal with Pittsburgh for Jake Guentzel?

Yes31430.8 %
No18918.6 %
Depends on the cost46946.1 %
See Results464.5 %
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