Jake Guentzel throws shade at Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins for mistreatment

Having inked a new long-term contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jake Guentzel was one of the biggest names to hit the NHL free agent market. Though playing most of his entire career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes midway through the previous campaign during the trade deadline.

According to Josh Yohe of The Athletic, Guentzel states that signing a contract with Tampa wasn't exactly a dream come true as he gets ready for his first season with the Lighting on a seven-year contract.

When Guentzel spoke with Yohe, he discussed the difficulties he and his family faced during the previous season.

In 67 games between the Penguins and Hurricanes, Guentzel scored 30 goals and notched 77 points, but despite this, there still seemed to be a heavy cloud of doubt surrounding his future. Relocating from the team that had selected him 77th overall in the third round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft was difficult for Guentzel because he still carried some bitterness about the way his time in Pittsburgh ended.

Guentzel claims he was blindsided by Dubas' decision to send him to Carolina. If the drama didn't end there, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby publicly expressed his displeasure with the decision to the point where it raised doubts about management's motives and caused a stir in the league.

Guentzel is still carrying emotional baggage from Pittsburgh, but he is settling into his new life in Tampa Bay.

Guentzel's ability to perform on his own is challenged by lingering questions about whether he was only a product of superstars like Sidney Crosby, despite his strong play following his trade. As he replaces a former franchise icon, expectations are raised by his current contract and position.

Watching Guentzel closely in the next season will be necessary as he attempts to separate himself from Stamkos. If he is successful in this new position, it could guarantee his spot among the league's best players.