Jake Guentzel heading to Canada following previous failed trade attempt!

Last week, it was reported that the Carolina Hurricanes informed rival teams that star winger Jake Guentzel was now available on the trade block since he had revealed his desire to test free agency comes July 1st. The Hurricanes are reportedly asking for a mid-round pick in order to complete a sign and trade for Guentzel and there is one Canadian team that is allegedly interested in making that move.

According to Ben Kuzma of the Province, the Vancouver Canucks have had Guentzel in their crosshairs as a trade target for a while now and even came close to flipping forward Elias Lindholm to the Boston Bruins to make room for the winger ahead of the March trade deadline. Guentzel was however shipped out to Carolina by the Pittsburgh Penguins instead.

“The Canucks don’t have first- or second-round selections in the 2024 NHL Draft but could part with a third or fourth if they’re convinced landing Guentzel is a marriage of current fit and past connection. And they also would get a leg up on several suitors,” writes Kuzma.

There is a sense that, while the Canucks could also be interested in Martin Necas in Carolina, his asking price is too steep for Vancouver and general manager Patrik Allvin, as the Canes are reportedly seeking “star power in return.”

Acquiring Guentzel’s signing rights would be more affordable for the Canucks, though the question would quickly shift to how much it would cost to re-sign him to a long-term contract. It has been projected that Guentzel could get a massive six year deal at $8 million annually as a free agent.

Before the Hurricanes reveal how they have put Guentzel on the trade block, the former Penguin was linked to the Chicago Blackhawks and the San Jose Sharks. With the Canes making it known that other teams can come with a mid round pick to get a sign and trade done, Vancouver might look to make a move sooner rather than later.