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Blackhawks Signing Jake Guentzel Would Be Shocker to Chicago
By Ron Luce,
30 days ago
Mar 30, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes forward Jake Guentzel (59) prepares for a faceoff against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at the Bell Centre.
Photo&colon Eric Bolte&solUSA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Blackhawks have a type when it comes to adding players in free agency. Short-term, potentially higher-value contracts are their specialty. General manager Kyle Davidson wants to keep the team's salary cap space flexible for when franchise cornerstones Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Kevin Korchinski are due new contracts.
However, one NHL insider is completely disregarding the hints that Davidson has emitted. The Blackhawks have signaled they're seeking short-term contracts, but Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman is indirectly calling Davidson's bluff. One of Friedman's recent bold predictions is that winger Jake Guentzel will sign with the Blackhawks on July 1 when free agency opens.
Jake Guentzel to Blackhawks Rumblings
Apr 14, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard (98) controls the puck while being pursued by Carolina Hurricanes forward Jake Guentzel (59) in the first period at United Center.
Photo&colon Jamie Sabau&solUSA TODAY Sports
Jake Guentzel would be a fantastic addition to the Blackhawks. The winger is coming off his third consecutive 70-plus-point campaign after splitting the 2023-24 season between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes. The 77-point season (30 goals, 47 assists) reflects the type of production the Hawks could desperately use alongside young phenom Connor Bedard.
Despite how much the addition makes sense, the move would come as a shock to anyone who's in tune with Kyle Davidson's plans for the Blackhawks. He's been adamant about not giving out lengthy terms on deals right now, instead opting for more dollars on shorter pacts. If Guentzel comes at four years or fewer for big money, this scenario could be possible. However, if Guentzel is seeking 5-6 years, I'd be appalled if Davidson pulled the trigger. There's a reason an older Patrick Kane is being considered for a return instead of younger players being discussed. He will require less term to sign.
Maybe Elliotte Friedman will be correct. If Kyle Davidson can add two meaningful players in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft and snag a big fish like Guentzel in free agency, then it's a sign to the league that the Blackhawks are on the up and up. However, don't get your hopes up on Guentzel just yet.
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