Guentzel Agrees to Seven-Year Deal with Lightning
Winger Jake Guentzel has reached an agreement in principle with the Tampa Bay Lightning on a contract that reflects the franchise's unwavering commitment to maintaining its competitive edge in the NHL. Officially, the news is expected to break on Monday, solidifying a seven-year tenure for Guentzel in Tampa Bay.
The 29-year-old forward was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick, underscoring the Lightning's strategic maneuvering ahead of the free agency period. Guentzel, a four-time 30-goal scorer, showcased his scoring prowess last season by netting 30 goals in 67 games—a performance split between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Hurricanes. His resume also includes a Stanley Cup victory with the Penguins in 2017, adding a championship pedigree to his new team.
The Lightning's front office has been actively reshaping their roster to set the stage for Guentzel’s arrival. Notably, the team offloaded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to Utah during the NHL Draft, clearing Sergachev's $8.5 million average annual contract value from their books. Additionally, forward Tanner Jeannot was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, freeing up another $2.665 million in annual salary. These moves provided the necessary cap space to secure Guentzel’s services before the unrestricted free agent market opened.
In addressing the Lightning's plan, General Manager Julien BriseBois commented, "It's in the best interest of our organization to explore all options in the coming days, whether it be via trades or by getting into free agency. We have this cap space. We can allocate it in different ways by either getting volume or quality. I don't know yet how we're going to do that. I know the priority is going to be to address our forward group."
Guentzel's versatility on the ice makes him an ideal candidate to replace Steven Stamkos, who may become the most coveted forward in the free-agent market. At 29, Guentzel is four years younger than Stamkos, aligning better with the Lightning's strategy to infuse their lineup with a blend of experience and youth.
Expected to slot in at left wing, Guentzel will likely form a dynamic line alongside Brayden Point at center and Nikita Kucherov on the right wing. This trio is poised to bolster Tampa Bay's offensive firepower, thus ensuring that the team remains a formidable force in the league.
The Lightning's acquisition of Guentzel aligns with their overarching goal of remaining in "win-now" mode. Ever since hoisting the Stanley Cup multiple times over the past few years, Tampa Bay has made a concerted effort to retain its elite status within the NHL. Guentzel’s consistent goal-scoring ability and playoff experience only serve to enhance the Lightning’s roster, offering a significant edge in their pursuit of sustained success.
Ultimately, the addition of Jake Guentzel is more than just a contract signing—it's a strategic decision that underscores the Tampa Bay Lightning's commitment to remaining viable contenders. As the team continues to navigate cap space and roster adjustments, fans can anticipate a highly competitive and electrifying season ahead.