For what it is worth, Emily Kaplan from ESPN reported this morning that Carolina is both (A) pushing hard to sign Guentzel, and (B) telling other teams that they are willing to do a sign-and-trade with Guentzel so the acquiring team can get him for 8-years.
Just like at the trade deadline, it seems like everyone is in on Jake Guentzel. Proven playoff performers just don't come around like this too often. I believe the door closed on a Pittsburgh reunion once he was traded. However, Carolina, where he finished the season, is still trying to work something out. The Canes are the only team able to give him an eighth year -- but also have told teams they could trade for Guentzel's rights or do a sign-and-trade to get that eighth contract year. Interest around the league is so intense, it's hard to handicap at this point where he'll land. I believe Carolina seriously upped its offer this week.
NHL free agency starts on July 1. Could Patrick Kane return to Detroit? What's the latest on Jake Guentzel and Carolina. Here's everything we're hearing.
www.espn.com
Dunno, feels like if Guentzel really wanted to be in Carolina that he would've signed already. It's weird that it has gone down to the 11th hour.