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Pittsburgh Penguins May Get Back Jake Guentzel This Off-Season

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Tom Banks
March 22, 2024  (1:52 PM)
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Jake Guentzel was just moved in a monster deal by Pittsburgh, but one source hasn't ruled out a major return this summer.

The Pittsburgh Penguins needed to make some tough decisions at the trade deadline, but now, their biggest blockbuster move may turn out to be even more fruitful for them. On the final day of the trade deadline, the team moved Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes for a package including several prospects and former Maple Leafs standout Michael Bunting.

Now, Josh Yohe of The Athletic has dropped a bombshell, claiming that sources within the Penguins organization may be targeting a major reunion with the star winger this summer.

«Team sources have told me in recent days not to be surprised if he signs with the Penguins again this summer,» Yohe writes. «Do I think he will? No. But I think it's in play.»

It remains unlikely, as most players don't return to teams that have traded them, at least immediately, but if he sees the team make other moves that could potentially put them back in the running for a Stanley Cup, it's something that can't be ruled out.

Now, it appears that may sources have picked up on the story, with the possibility growing larger that Jake Guentzel could return to the Pittsburgh Penguins, but with so many teams out there willing to pay big money for a star like this, they will certainly have competition for him.

One thing that does work in Pittsburgh's favour is their emotional connection to Guentzel, which is so strong that Kyle Dubas reportedly visited him at his home to let him know of the trade, with Guentzel still showing major emotions about the deal even weeks later.

«Nine days after his trade, Jake Guentzel was still emotional describing the goodbyes to those Penguins he won a Cup with. GM Kyle Dubas went to Guentzel's home to inform him, then the winger went to the rink to meet with those teammates.»

That came from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, and while this isn't a done deal by any stretch, expect this to remain a major story until free agency begins this summer.

Source: Built up emotions could lead to monster move in Pittsburgh!

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Pittsburgh Penguins May Get Back Jake Guentzel This Off-Season

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