New report confirms Jake Guentzel will test the free agent market this summer
A new report confirmed that Jake Guentzel will test the free agent market this summer after his short stint with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Kyle Dubas had to move Guentzel at the last trade deadline, afraid to see him walk away from the Penguins organization with nothing in return this summer.
Guentzel ended up being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange of Michael Bunting, Vasily Ponomarev Ville Koivunen, the rights to forward Cruz Lucius, and two draft picks.
In Carolina, he had a great impact, proving he can perform well even if he's not on Sidney Crosby's line. In 17 regular season games with the Canes, he tallied 25 points, while scoring nine in 11 playoff games.
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Guentzel will try his luck on the market, but hasn't close the door on going back to Carolina:
"Jake Guentzel is not closing the door on the Carolina Hurricanes, but it does not sound like he is ready to commit long-term just yet.
Confirmed by separate sources over the weekend, the Hurricanes have had discussions with Guentzel and his camp, led by agent Ben Hankinson, and the initial word is he «probably goes to July 1,» according to one well-placed source with knowledge of negotiations.
Guentzel has earned the opportunity to test the market this summer and wants to weigh all his options before cementing his future on a long-term contract, presumably for the next seven years. This is not to suggest he will not end up back in Raleigh when the dust settles, but much like how his talks with the Pittsburgh Penguins went this season before being traded to Carolina, the 29-year-old wants to understand the long-term direction of the team before making a decision."
Guentzel, 29, will surely look for a long-term contract, and taking the time to evaluate his options is only the logical thing to do.
Do you think Jake Guentzel will sign with the Carolina Hurricanes on July 1st?
Source: The Fourth Period - GUENTZEL EXPECTED TO TEST FREE AGENCY
POLL |
JUIN 4 | 352 ANSWERS New report confirms Jake Guentzel will test the free agent market this summer Do you think Jake Guentzel will sign with the Carolina Hurricanes on July 1st? |
Yes | 126 | 35.8 % |
No | 226 | 64.2 % |
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