The Vancouver Canucks are expected to make a strong offer to pending free agent forward Jake Guentzel, according to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli.
“We are now just 12 days away from the opening of free agency on July 1,” Seravalli wrote in his latest Top 75 Free Agents piece. “And when the clock strikes 12 noon ET on Canada Day, expect the Vancouver Canucks to make a strong play for pending free agent forward Jake Guentzel.
“They won’t be alone – as there are more than a handful of teams expected to be in the mix for the Stanley Cup winning winger. If the Toronto Maple Leafs trade Mitch Marner, they could be players, as well as the Florida Panthers if they are not re-signing Sam Reinhart. There will also be other teams such as the Washington Capitals or maybe even the New York Rangers, if they can find requisite cap space.”
Guentzel is one of the most consistent forwards in the league, scoring at or around a point-per-game pace throughout his career and achieving at least 30 goals four times. Despite his smaller stature, the former Pittsburgh Penguins winger plays with a presence that belies his size, especially on the offensive end.
While injuries can be a concern, Guentzel’s speed and hockey intelligence allow him to effectively dodge significant hits from opponents. He has a keen ability to exploit gaps in the defence and is both a skilled finisher and a capable playmaker.
Guentzel’s familiarity with Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford might also play a role in a potential extension. Adding another layer of intrigue, Canucks forward Brock Boeser and Jake Guentzel share the same agent, which could facilitate negotiations.
However, acquiring Guentzel won’t come cheap. He is expected to command a contract worth at least $65 million, potentially reaching up to $9.5 million annually over seven years. Alternatively, the Hurricanes have indicated they are open to a sign-and-trade deal, allowing a team to secure him for the maximum eight-year term, thus lowering the cap hit in exchange for a mid-round pick.
Guentzel has played eight seasons for the Penguins and Hurricanes, amassing 227 goals, 264 assists, and a plus-minus of +69 in 520 games. He has also won one Stanley Cup, bringing valuable championship experience to any team he joins.
The NHL’s free agency period begins on Monday, July 1st at 9:00 AM Pacific.