NHL Trade Deadline 2024: 4 Landing Spots for Jake Guentzel

With the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline almost here, Penguins star forward Jake Guentzel has been picking up a lot of steam in the rumor mill.

It is understandable, as he has yet to sign an extension with Pittsburgh, and the club does not hold a playoff spot. Because of this, there is a real chance that the 29-year-old will find a new home by March 8. 

Which teams are most likely to land Guentzel? Or will the two-time All-Star remain in Pittsburgh? Let’s discuss this now. 

Guentzel Trade Prediction: Golden Knights

The Golden Knights are a team to pay close attention to in the Guentzel sweepstakes. It has been confirmed by multiple sources that Vegas has him on their radar, and it is understandable. Captain Mark Stone is out week-to-week, and the Golden Knights need to replace his offense. Adding Guentzel would do just that.

If the Golden Knights place Stone on LTIR, it will give them plenty of cap space to work with to acquire Guentzel. Furthermore, GM Kelly McCrimmon has never been afraid to make a deadline splash.

If the Golden Knights acquired Guentzel, he would be an obvious fit on their first line and power play. Him on a line with superstar center Jack Eichel would be dangerous for the rest of the NHL, so don’t be surprised if they step up their efforts to land him from here. 

Guentzel Trade Prediction: Canucks

The Canucks are having a spectacular 2023-24 season and are at the top of the NHL standings. Because of this, they will be buyers at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline and already added Elias Lindholm to their group. However, it is clear that they are not done yet, as they are one of the primary teams connected to Guentzel. 

If the Canucks added Guentzel, he would be an outstanding addition to their top six. While the Canucks’ forward group is marvelous right now, they would benefit from adding another star sniper. He would also benefit from having stars like J.T. Miller, Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, and Brock Boeser to work with. 

With the Canucks standing out as legitimate contenders, they are in a position to go all-in. Thus, they are a clear club to watch in the Guenztel sweepstakes. 

Guentzel Trade Prediction: Oilers 

The Oilers are another notable club that has been linked to Guentzel over the last few weeks. While the Oilers have a solid forward group, there is no question that they would benefit by adding another top-six winger to their roster before the deadline. They simply need more firepower for the playoffs, and Guentzel would give them that.

Guentzel would be a massive upgrade over Mattias Janmark on the Oilers’ second line if acquired. However, he also would be a clear option to play with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the first line. That trio would simply be unbeatable. 

The Oilers would be wise to add a player like Guentzel before the deadline, as he could be the final piece needed to help them finally win a Stanley Cup during the McDavid era. 

Guentzel Trade Prediction: Penguins 

While there has been a ton of hype over a potential Guentzel trade, we should not rule out the prospect of him staying in Pittsburgh. The Penguins still have some time to sign him to a contract extension if they wish to. Given how well he has worked with Sidney Crosby, it is quite possible that the Penguins could step up their efforts to keep him around. 

Furthermore, the Penguins’ playoff hopes are not entirely crushed just yet. If they heat up during this final week before the deadline and rise up in the standings, the Penguins could decide to keep him around for a late-season playoff push, contract extension or not. 

There’s no question that there’s a good chance that Guentzel will be moved, but it is still possible that he could remain a Penguin. The Penguins simply have a massive decision to make.