Friedman Updates Jake Guentzel Future; Tied To Big Decision

Hockey Night in Canada remains the epicenter of the hockey world, and the Headlines segment is when Sportsnet drops the best NHL trade chatter and news. Saturday, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Jake Guentzel were a primary focus.

Reporter Elliotte Friedman updated Guentzel’s future in the Headlines intermission segment. You can watch the HNIC segment here.

According to Friedman, the Penguins have not yet made a decision on Guentzel, and the decision is tied to the fundamental decision of the very direction of the Penguins.

“From what I understand, no determination has been made on his future in Pittsburgh,” Friedman said. “But what I do think is th biggest factor here is where the Penguins think they’re going as a franchise over the next couple of years. I think that is going to be the true determination of Guentzel’s future in Pittsburgh or elsewhere.”

Must Read — Kingerski: Guentzel Will Be Penguins’ Big Trade Deadline Acquisition

Guentzel, 29, has 46 points with 19 goals in 41 games this season. The winger recently deferred discussing the future, opting to focus on the present. He scored the first of two Penguins third-period goals Saturday when the team rallied from a 2-0 deficit to earn a point in a 3-2 OT loss.

Trade speculation has picked up in recent weeks as the Penguins remain outside the playoff seeds and Guentzel remains without a contract.

Friedman also steered into the NHL trade rumors surrounding Calgary Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom. Friedman believes the Flames have set a high price tag, and there is a lack of serious trade talks for the goalie.