CRANBERRY TWP., PA (93.7 The Fan) – “He’s an invaluable part of our team. He’s a Pittsburgh Penguin through and through. I think his contributions speak for themselves.”
Part of what Pens head coach Mike Sullivan said about forward Jake Guentzel after practice on Monday.
There have been rumors or trades and understandably so with Guentzel’s contract up after the season. Currently 21st in the league in goals (just five from being in the top 10), the 29-year-old would be a valuable asset on any team. But on this team, one trying to win now and looking for emotional buy-in, could they really trade him?
Sullivan spoke of his consistency, only one time this season did Guentzel go two games without a point. He does so on the line of one of the greatest players in NHL history. Sidney Crosby appreciates the chemistry they have together. It’s something both had to work at and now one in which both profit.
“He’s one of the key players on this team, that drives this team to success,” Sullivan said. “I think he’s quietly emerged as a superstar in this league.”
His coach his entire time with the Penguins, Sullivan said there is more to Guentzel than just scoring. Knocked at time for his size (listed at 5’11”), the eight-year NHL veteran and two-time Stanley Cup champion is not afraid.
“The goal scoring is obvious to everyone, what I really admire about Jake’s game is the passion that he plays the game with,” Sullivan said. “How competitive he is. I think he played the game with a lot of courage. He goes to the hard areas in order to score goals and he’s a complete player.”
“He plays on both sides of the puck. He’s a good defensive player. He’s every bit as good defensively as he is offensively. He’s willing to play that game away from the puck that is so important to helping teams win.”
He’s trying to win with his current team on a current salary of $6 million a year. He reportedly turned down a six-year deal from Pens GM Kyle Dubas worth $8.5 million a season.
A trade makes sense in building for the future, but is that where this team is at?
‘He’s a Pittsburgh Penguin through and through’. What will that be worth to the Pens?
Line combinations
Pens kept with the same line combinations as Monday at practice.
Guentzel-Crosby-Bryan Rust
Reilly Smith-Evgeni Malkin-Drew O’Connor
Rickard Rakell-Lars Eller-Jesse Puljujarvi
Jansen Harkins-Noel Acciari-Jeff Carter
Marcus Pettersson-Kris Letang
Ryan Graves-Erik Karlsson
Chad Ruhwedel-PO Joseph
Upcoming games
Pens host Winnipeg at 7p on Tuesday before playing at Minnesota on Friday and at the Jets on Saturday.