Jake Guentzel opens up on emotional return to Pittsburgh

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Tom Banks
March 25, 2024 (9:51 PM)

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After a stellar career with the Penguins, star forward Jake Guentzel has revealed how he feels leading into his return to Pittsburgh this week.

The Pittsburgh Penguins finally made the move that they needed too at the trade deadline, as they traded star Jake Guentzel to the division rival Carolina Hurricanes. Now, the team sitting in second place in the Metropolitan Division are heading to Pittsburgh, with Guentzel opening up on what an emotional night it's going to be for him.

"It's obviously really exciting," Guentzel told reporters after practice in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Monday. "Family is still there so I'll get to see them tonight. It'll be nice to see some of the guys. But it's just going to be a fun game and hopefully get the two points."

"It's going to be emotional," Guentzel said. "It's going to be fun. It's a special place in our family's hearts. It'll be a cool experience."

The 29-year old spent the first eight seasons of his career in Pittsburgh alongside the star trio of Malkin, Crosby and Letang, becoming a key piece in their final Stanley Cup run as a group. Over that time, he played in 503 games, tallying 219 goals and 466 points, but after a stellar run and his upcoming free agency, moving him was the right move for Pittsburgh.

In Carolina, he's started hot with 10 points in his first 12 games with the team, and now he faces a situation very unfamiliar, as he opposes Crosby and the star trio that he came to know as family. Once the potential video tribute and initial reaction is over however, he's back to the job at hand which is helping the Hurricanes chase a Stanley Cup, but it's safe to say that it will be a very emotional night for everyone involved after what he gave this team for so long.

Source: Jake Guentzel reveals true feelings ahead of return to Pittsburgh