Sidney Crosby's dream reunion with Jake Guentzel seems unlikely

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Mark Parsons
June 7, 2024 (2:25 PM)

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Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has been hoping for a reunion with former teammate Jake Guentzel, who was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes before the March deadline.

Guentzel himself has expressed a desire to return to Pittsburgh, but the chances of this happening appear slim.

Hopes of a Crosby/Guentzel reunion are fading

Guentzel is set to test free agency in July and could entertain offers from Penguins GM Kyle Dubas. However, Dubas would need to make significant moves to fit Guentzel under the salary cap. Guentzel is projected to receive a six-year deal worth around $8 million annually.

Josh Yohe of The Athletic is skeptical about Guentzel's return to Pittsburgh, advising fans not to get their hopes up. Yohe notes that despite Guentzel's close friendship with Crosby and his fond memories of Pittsburgh, the split between Guentzel and the Penguins was bitter. Guentzel was reportedly unhappy with how management handled his departure and the lack of a long-term contract offer.

Additionally, the Penguins have a tight budget this summer, making it unlikely they can afford Guentzel without him taking a pay cut. Given the circumstances, it seems Crosby's dream of reuniting with Guentzel on the ice is unlikely to come true anytime soon.

Source: HockeyFeed
Ugly divorce with Jake Guentzel comes back to haunt the Penguins