The Canadian squad is said to be the favourites to sign Guentzel in free agency

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Sam Jones
June 20, 2024 (9:10)

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It was revealed earlier today that the Vancouver Canucks are setting their sights on a significant acquisition.

Hockey Insider Frank Seravalli of dailyfaceoff.com has indicated that the team is poised to make a strong push to sign Jake Guentzel, a move that could shake up their lineup significantly.

Jake Guentzel, a highly coveted player, is soon to become an unrestricted free agent. Having split his season between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Carolina Hurricanes, Guentzel has shown remarkable prowess on the ice. Seravalli believes the Canucks are looking to secure Guentzel with a seven-year contract, valued at approximately $9.5 million per season.

Across the NHL, several pundits concur that Vancouver is the likely destination for the 29-year-old centre. During his tenure with both teams this past season, Guentzel racked up an impressive stat line: 67 games played, 30 goals, 47 assists, for a total of 77 points, and a +25 rating.

Guentzel's impact at the trade deadline was palpable, as he was one of the most sought-after players due to his goal-scoring capabilities and overall strength in gameplay, qualities that several teams would greatly value. Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin, since assuming his role, has been active in reshaping the team, particularly strengthening their defense.

With 17 players already signed for the upcoming season and a cap space of $16 million, the Canucks are in a good position to accommodate Guentzel's contract. However, they must also consider other players such as Nikita Zadorov, Tyler Myers, Elias Lindholm, and Artus Silovs, who are awaiting new deals.

The summer promises to be a busy one for the Canucks, as they navigate these pivotal decisions. The potential signing of Jake Guentzel could be a game-changer for the team, enhancing their offensive capabilities and positioning them as a formidable force in the league. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Vancouver to see how they manage their roster and cap space in pursuit of championship contention.