Top pending UFA Jake Guentzel reportedly makes big career decision

Guentzel is taking his talents to the open market on July 1st.

The Carolina Hurricanes made a splash this past trade deadline by acquiring the Pittsburgh Penguins star forward. Guentzel put up an impressive 77 points in 67 games this season combined with the Penguins and Hurricanes.

Even though he appeared to be the perfect fit in Carolina, as he put up 25 points in 17 games, and amassed another 9 points in 11 playoff games, Guentzel will test free agency this summer for the first time in his career.

For Guentzel, not only has never tested free agency during his 8-year NHL career, but he is coming off a very modest deal he signed with the Penguins, which paid him $6 million per season. The Hurricanes star is due for a big raise, potentially worth $8M-$9M per season.

It did seem like Guentzel and the Hurricanes were a great fit as he was very impressive during his tenure with the team. However, Carolina is known for low-balling and underpaying their players (other than Sebastian Aho, of course), so if the offers haven't been quite where Guentzel is comfortable, I don't think anyone can blame him for wanting to see what's out there on July 1st.

The Leafs may be one of the teams interested in Jake Guentzel, if they end up freeing up cap space by trading star winger Mitch Marner. Guentzel comes with a Cup-winning pedigree and a unique skill set that shows he can be a dynamic goal score and drive play any time he's on the ice.

Whichever team ends up singing Gunetzel will instantly be amongst the winners in free agency.