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"A pure sniper in the game today": NHL analyst hopeful of $63M Jake Guentzel making a significant impact in Tampa
Jake Guentzel signed a seven-year, $63 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning in July. The deal came with an average annual salary of $9 million (per Spotrac.com) for the veteran forward.
On Friday, former NHL player and current analyst Stu Grimson weighed in on what he expects from Guentzel in Tampa Bay.
Speaking on NHL Network, Grimson said:
"Going back to when he first stepped on NHL ice, from that moment forward, he established himself as a pure sniper in the game today. Over 500 games, he's cemented himself as a premier goal scorer. He's No. 7 in even strength goals over that time span with 147, just a remarkable player."
Grimson continued:
"Of course, forged much of that offensive ability and offensive prowess riding left shotgun with none other than Sid Crosby [during Guentzel's time in Penguins]. So, a lot of, a lot of emphasis here, you know, as the Tampa Bay Lightning move away from Stephen Stamkos."
Stamkos ended his 16-year tenure in Tampa after signing a four-year, $32 million deal with the Nashville Predators this offseason.
"A lot of emphasis on Guentzel and his ability to supplant a lot of what the former captain brought to this group. But you see there the comparison, the resume, the body of work, his career as a Penguin. And then, at the trade deadline last year… goes on a bit of tear with the Hurricanes," Grimson added.
Last season, Jake Guentzel recorded 77 points through 30 goals and 47 assists in 67 regular season games between Pittsburgh and Carolina. He added another nine points in 11 playoff games for the Hurricanes.
Stu Grimson on Jake Guentzel’s Sidney Crosby-influenced game
Grimson also noted that anyone who has played with Sidney Crosby over time can't help but be positively impacted by his incredible work ethic and utmost professionalism.
Grimson said:
“Anybody that's ever played with Sid Crosby, you know, sings this refrain when you're there day in, day out and you get to, you know, be impressed, be influenced by Crosby's work ethic, his dedication to professionalism. It can't help but rub off on you.
“So, no question being a part of that organization riding shotgun for Crosby all these years, Guentzel has just blossomed into a brilliant pro.” he added.
Grimson pointed out that Jake Guentzel's Crosby-influenced playing style should also make him a great fit for his new team.
How do you think Jake Guentzel and the Tampa Bay Lightning will fare next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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