In the most recent Insider Trading segment on TSN, Pierre LeBrun points out that Jake Guentzel of the Pittsburgh Penguins is currently the top target for the Edmonton Oilers in trade talks. Despite uncertainties surrounding whether Guentzel will be available, LeBrun insists that he remains the Oilers’ preferred choice. Similarly, Elliotte Friedman, speaking on the 32 Thoughts podcast, shares the sentiment that Guentzel is the player the Oilers are keen on acquiring, referring to him as “their guy” after evaluating their needs in the market.
This raises the question: if Ken Holland desires Guentzel but the Penguins haven’t committed to trading him yet, how long will Edmonton wait? Additionally, what should they do about other players they’ve been considering in the trade market?
Edmonton is actively in search of a top-six winger for their second line. Despite recent positive results from line adjustments, Guentzel is seen as a substantial upgrade over any other options the Oilers have explored. With an impressive performance of 22 goals and 51 points in 49 games this season, Guentzel represents a top-tier player who could significantly enhance the Oilers’ offensive capabilities, solidifying their top-six lineup in the NHL.
While the Oilers have been exploring other trade options involving players like Sean Walker, Scott Laughton, Chris Tanev, Jordan Eberle, and Vladimir Tarasenko, reports suggest that none of them hold the same appeal as Guentzel. Edmonton prioritizes Guentzel over other possibilities, especially if the trade demands from other teams include a first-round pick, which Ken Holland intends to retain for potential negotiations with the Penguins.
It’s crucial to note that the Penguins haven’t officially made Guentzel available yet. There’s talk of their efforts to re-sign him, but the asking price is reportedly high. There’s also uncertainty surrounding the direction of the Penguins franchise. While it’s believed that the Penguins are open to trading Guentzel considering the returns on the market for other players, GM Kyle Dubas isn’t actively shopping the winger at this time.
This means the Oilers have to exercise patience. If Guentzel is their preferred target, all other trade discussions will need to be sidelined for now and categorized as Plan B.
A significant aspect of a potential Guentzel trade is that he would be a short-term rental for the Oilers. As a pending unrestricted free agent, a long-term deal with a rumored asking price of up to $10 million per season is financially unfeasible for Edmonton, given their upcoming commitments to key players like Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and Evan Bouchard, among others. This move reflects the Oilers’ readiness to go all-in for a short-term playoff push, viewing Guentzel as their ideal addition.
Friedman suggests that the Oilers’ recent loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, ending their 16-game winning streak, has intensified their desire for a game-changing player like Guentzel. The defeat has highlighted the need for a deeper lineup, and acquiring Guentzel could transform the Oilers into a formidable team across all four lines in a seven-game series.
However, the challenge lies in the uncertainty regarding Guentzel’s availability. The Oilers face the dilemma of waiting for him while risking missing out on other trade opportunities. Holland has been exploring various names, but with no certainty on when Guentzel might become available, the Oilers must carefully assess their options to strike the right balance between patience and seizing valuable trade opportunities before they disappear.
