The forward group is deal this offseason in NHL free agency. One of those headlining names is LW Jake Guentzel, who needs a new contract after losing in the playoffs with the Carolina Hurricanes. Guentzel was brought in before the deadline via the Pittsburgh Penguins. He played well for Carolina, which lost in the second round to the New York Rangers. The Hurricanes could explore bringing Guentzel back but he’s going to hit the open market. We go over best potential landing spots for Guentzel.
2024 NHL Free Agency predictions
Best destinations for Jake Guentzel
Carolina Hurricanes
We did the same thing with Reinhart’s prediction — him going back to the Panthers. The same goes for Guentzel, who had eight goals and 25 points in 17 games for the Hurricanes. Carolina needs to revamp the defense and trade F Martin Necas. Teuvo Teravainen should be let go. Seth Jarvis will need a new long-term contract. Carolina is going to be busy this offseason but can definitely make room for Guentzel.
By trading Necas, the Hurricanes can retain some assets for the future to flood around Sebastian Aho, Jarvis, Guentzel and Andrei Svechnikov. At this point, losing Necas and Guentzel, plus defensemen Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce, could mean regression from the Hurricanes. So keeping Guentzel, no matter the price, may be the move. If you’re Guentzel and the money is there, you know you’re competing for the playoffs/Cup most seasons the rest of your NHL career.
Chicago Blackhawks
You’re going to have to include the Blackhawks a lot in these types of stories this offseason. Chicago is just too appealing a destination for a free agent forward. The Blackhawks could use a big chunk of their cap space to sign Guentzel, who would be cheaper than Reinhart. Guentzel is a bit older, so giving out term to a 30-year-old isn’t great. But Guentzel with center Connor Bedard is great. Guentzel gives Bedard an elite scoring wing with experience playing with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, two great centers. Guentzel also brings a strong veteran voice who has won to a young locker room, another plus.
Utah Hockey Club
Utah has money to spend after being moved from Arizona. If you’re looking to make a splash and get fans in the seats for Season 1, signing Guentzel would help there. Utah has to sign most of its defensemen and then round out that group, but would still have plenty of room for Guentzel, who should make around $8-9 million per season. Guentzel on a line with Logan Cooley and/or Clayton Keller would be exciting to watch on most nights in Salt Lake City. Guentzel may not want to move there/play on a team that is at least 3-5 seasons away from competing for a playoff spot. But UHC could go over the top a bit to add the wing.
