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Lightning star Jake Guentzel opens up on his injury that potentially led to Penguins departure
The Pittsburgh Penguins faced some uncertainty last season, and Jake Guentzel's injury was part of it. The star winger was hurt and his future with the team was up in the air, which resulted in an eventual trade ahead of free agency.
The star player said there were many factors, including whether Sidney Crosby would return or if the team would be entering a rebuild. Ultimately, the injury plus the confusion led to a fresh start elsewhere. However, Guentzel said that he wondered if the injury was why he was still not a Penguin.
Guentzel said via the Athletic:
"Obviously it’s in the back of your mind on what would have happened. You’re not really sure how everything would have played out. But it is what it is and that’s just how the business works. Sometimes change is inevitable.”
He was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, where he helped them make the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. They lost in six to the New York Rangers and Guentzel had his rights traded away.
Then he landed with and signed a $63 million deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Jake Guentzel reflects on joining Steven Stamkos' former team
Steven Stamkos, a longtime fan favorite with the Tampa Bay Lightning, is no longer playing for the team. Jake Guentzel is. It's difficult for any player to replace one of such stature, and that's something the ex-Penguin will now have to deal with.
He said via the Athletic that he wasn't sure what was going on with Stamkos while his status was being finalized. He said he was an "unbelievable" player and well-respected.
He continued:
“But, from my end, when a team wants you, they trade for you. I think that was a pretty easy sell for me to go there. And playing in the National Hockey League, you’re going to have pressure wherever you play. That’s just part of it. Hopefully, I can come in, produce and have some fun with it.”
Guentzel will make his Lightning debut in October, when the regular season officially begins.
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