Kyle Dubas Responds to Jake Guentzel's Criticism Of Penguins

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Graham Montgomery
March 28, 2024 (8:53 PM)

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Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas recently responded after Jake Guentzel called out the team, stating that he never wanted to be traded. Dubas' response was that of a business man.

Dubas responds to Guentzel after massive trade deadline deal

The Penguins have been in a tough position over the past couple of seasons. New general manager Kyle Dubas was handed a particularly tough situation in the offseason as the team remained committed to making the playoffs. Ince it became obvious that the playoffs were out of reach this year, the team started to change their tune. Dubas made his first major trade when he dealt Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes. Earlier this week, the two teams met for the first time since the trade.

Jake Guentzel's Tribute Video from PPG. Standing ovation and thunderous applause!! #LetsGoPens

The former penguin was clearly emotional as the Penguins gave him a long ovation with a video of his highlights with the team.

Jake Guentzel and his family are emotional as he receives a standing ovation in his return to Pittsburgh 🥹

Surprisingly, the Penguins pulled off the upset, taking down the Hurricanes 4-1. After the game, Guentzel revealed that he never wanted to leave the Penguins.

Jake Guentzel spoke out on his trade from Pittsburgh to Carolina. 👀

Following his remarks, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas responded with some comments of his own. He essentially summarized the fact that the NHL is a business and that trading Guentzel was the only move that made sense for the team at the time.

"He's entitled to his opinion, especially in this market, to give his opinion. What I would say is that going into this year, I hoped that everything would go to the most optimistic viewpoint, we would be a contending team, and that would dictate decision-making differently than it did. I'm sorry that it ended up being Jake as the one whose contract was up at that time that's how he feels about it. Especially right after a game, competitors like Jake are emotional. He's entitled to feel how he feels, and I don't take umbrage at all."

Unfortunately for Guentzel, that is the harsh reality of the NHL. He will have an opportunity to re-sign with the Penguins in the offseason if he really wants to return, but at this point his relationship with the team could be damaged beyond repair.

Source HockeyFeed: Kyle Dubas hits back at «emotional» Jake Guentzel