Hurricanes and Guentzel Interested in Agreeing to Extension
The Carolina Hurricanes and pending free agent forward Jake Guentzel might still find a way to agree to a contract extension before or after July 1.
Although Jake Guentzel’s future with the Carolina Hurricanes remains uncertain with the former Pittsburgh Penguin entering free agency on July 1, there is still a chance both parties find common ground in negotiations and sign an extension.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, appearing on an NHL Tonight segment on June 13, noted that Guentzel is interested in exploring the market before making a final decision. However, Friedman doesn’t think the player “has given up on the idea” of returning to Carolina.
“Well, I there’s obviously a lot of interest,” Friedman said. “I don’t think Guentzel has given up on the idea of Carolina. But I do think that, honestly, I think he wants to know what the market is at some point before he makes a commitment.”
If Friedman’s thoughts are correct, then they would align with Guentzel’s original comments and plan for the future. The forward told reporters on May 18, “Hopefully, [I] can kind of get some stability and be able to sign here long-term.”
Guentzel completed his contract earning a salary of $6 million in 2024 when the New York Rangers eliminated the Hurricanes in the second round of the playoffs.
The Hurricanes acquired Don Waddell from the Pittsburgh Penguins before the March 8 trade deadline. Guentzel made an immediate impact, scoring 25 points in 17 regular-season games and adding 5 goals and 4 assists in the playoffs.
Both Guentzel and the Hurricanes expressed interest in a long-term deal after the season. Former Hurricanes General Manager Don Waddell (now with the Columbus Blue Jackets) indicated the franchise’s desire to retain Guentzel.
“With Jake, I think he played a good role here,” Waddell said on May 20. “We have begun those talks. We’ll talk to him also.”
