NHL Rumors: Shocking Team Linked To Jake Guentzel

Jake Guentzel's upcoming free agency has sparked significant interest after his impressive performance with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he recorded 25 points in 17 regular-season games and nine points in 11 playoff contests.

As a two-time 40-goal scorer and Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the 29-year-old winger is expected to be a hot commodity when his current $6 million AAV contract expires on July 1.

While The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun mentioned that Guentzel could test free agency while keeping the Hurricanes as an option, an unexpected and questionable rumor has surfaced involving the San Jose Sharks.

Jake Guentzel’s most memorable goal pic.twitter.com/oN223pZrPA
— Austin Bechtold (@AustinRBechtold) March 8, 2024

Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek recently made a bold prediction on his show, suggesting that the San Jose Sharks might sign Guentzel.

Despite being in a rebuilding phase, the Sharks have substantial salary cap space and a strong motivation to add veteran talent to support promising players like Macklin Celebrini, whom they are expected to draft first overall this year.

However, San Jose Hockey Now's Sheng Peng and other observers are skeptical, noting that Guentzel, who is in his prime, would likely prefer to join a more competitive team rather than a rebuilding one.

Big goal Jake Guentzel @Canes pic.twitter.com/0UylJ3lZDj
— Ben Hankinson (@BenHankinson) May 7, 2024

Further fueling speculation, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that the Hurricanes were shopping Guentzel's rights.

This suggests that while the Sharks might have the financial means to make a competitive offer, it remains unlikely they will pursue the veteran winger seriously.

Guentzel is expected to draw significant interest from contending teams and is more likely to sign with a team positioned for immediate success, possibly even returning to the Hurricanes.

Nonetheless, the NHL offseason is always full of surprises so anything is possible, and the Sharks' need for experienced talent could push them to consider unexpected moves.

Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports