Tampa Bay Lightning Secure Jake Guentzel in Major Trade
In a significant move aimed at bolstering their offensive capabilities, the Tampa Bay Lightning have agreed in principle to a new contract with renowned winger Jake Guentzel. While the formal announcement is expected on Monday, sources confirm that the contract will span seven years, reinforcing Tampa Bay's commitment to maintaining their status as one of the elite teams in the National Hockey League (NHL).
The acquisition of Guentzel from the Carolina Hurricanes came at the cost of a 2025 third-round draft pick. Guentzel, 29, is no stranger to success, having won a Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2017 and consistently proving his mettle as a four-time 30-goal scorer. His most recent season saw him notch 30 goals in just 67 games, demonstrating his prowess on the ice with both the Penguins and the Hurricanes.
This strategic move is part of a broader overhaul in Tampa Bay. The Lightning had previously offloaded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to Utah, shedding a significant $8.5 million average annual value from their payroll. Additionally, forward Tanner Jeannot was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, further freeing up $2.665 million annually. These moves were essential to creating the cap space needed to bring in Guentzel before the unrestricted free agent market opened.
Guentzel's arrival comes at a pivotal moment for Tampa Bay, as the team's front office strives to keep the squad in "win-now" mode. General Manager Julien BriseBois has been vocal about the organization's strategy, stating, "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."
Expected to play left wing, Guentzel will replace the position previously occupied by Steven Stamkos, who could become the most sought-after forward on the free-agent market. At 29 years old, Guentzel brings a blend of youth and experience, being four years younger than Stamkos. He is expected to line up alongside center Brayden Point and right wing Nikita Kucherov, promising a formidable offensive trio for the Lightning.
The decision to bring in Guentzel signals Tampa Bay's unwavering dedication to competitive excellence. The Lightning have been perennial contenders in the NHL, and the addition of Guentzel is poised to keep them in the upper echelons of the league. His goal-scoring ability and playoff experience will be invaluable assets as the team aims for sustained success.
For the Lightning, this move is not just about adding a top-tier winger but also about sending a message to the rest of the league: Tampa Bay is determined to build on their legacy of success. Guentzel's track record speaks for itself, and his presence on the team will undoubtedly elevate Tampa Bay's offensive firepower.
The Lightning's proactive approach in the trade and free agent markets reflects a clear vision and commitment from the front office. By securing Guentzel, they have taken a decisive step to ensure the team remains a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.