'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
NHL Rumors: Insider suggests Hurricanes’ Jake Guentzel as ideal pairing for Canucks' $92,800,000 winger
Free agent forward Jake Guentzel should be a priority for the Vancouver Canucks, as per NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal.
During a recent episode of the Donnie and Dhali Show, the expert suggested that the Canucks should target Jake Guentzel:
"If the Canucks are willing to give (Elias) Lindholm $7 million, why not just add one or two million to go after Jake Guentzel?"
Dhaliwal’s rationale is based on the perceived need for a top-line winger in the Canuck’s lineup. Dhaliwal believes that the Canucks have a far greater requirement for a top-scoring winger like Guentzel instead of a center like Lindholm.
Dhaliwal would go on to explain:
"The need is more at wing than center. Now, Guentzel would be a great fit for (Elias) Pettersson and solve a huge issue in the top six for the Canucks."
Dhaliwal further strengthened his argument by downplaying rumors of Jake Guentzel being uninterested in joining a Canadian team:
"The reports that Jake Guentzel only wants to sign with US-based teams on July 1 is gibberish. It’s wrong. I’m not hearing that from anybody. Guentzel was more than okay coming to Vancouver at the trade deadline, remember that? He’s got a history with (Jim) Rutherford, (Patrick) Allvin, and (Rick) Tocchet."
Guentzel should draw interest from several clubs, not just the Vancouver Canucks. It remains to be seen whether Guentzel will sign on July 1 or wait to evaluate his options.
Jake Guentzel to Music City
A recent article by The Hockey News suggested that the Nashville Predators would be an ideal landing spot for Guentzel. The piece bases its argument on two main reasons.
First, the Preds have plenty of cap space this offseason. Reportedly, the Predators have roughly $25 million to fill out their roster. That cap space could allow the club to sign Guentzel to a lucrative deal. This situation makes Nashville more attractive than other teams with more cap restrictions.
Second, the Predators are looking to become serious contenders. They club key players such as Roman Josi, Juuse Saros, and Ryan O’Reilly to complement the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, Filip Forsberg. As such, Guentzel could slide in nicely to a lineup that features proven veteran winners.
This second point is crucial as Guentzel is 30 and likely more interested in joining a contending team at this point in his career. While the lucrative payday is enticing, joining a rebuilding team like the Chicago Blackhawks may seem less attractive than joining a contender.
With Guentzel on the club, the Predators could be in line to become serious Cup contenders next season.
Trending
