Guentzel wasn’t that good of a fit here to warrant the constant discussion. This is not sour grapes; I made similar points in the aftermath of the trade.
(1) He’s a skill winger. While he’ll play around the net, there are physical limitations. Aho and Jarvis have a similar issue. That might be a little too much homogeneity in style. Necas, who would have been the opportunity cost of keeping Guentzel, brings elite speed to the table.
(2) He’s unproven as a line driver. He’s played with a great linemate for virtually his entire career. The way the roster was always going to be structured post-Jarvis ELC, it might require of the Big 4 forwards on an island, elevating lesser linemates at times. That’s what Necas is being asked to do, based on the early setup. Can Guentzel do it? I won’t rule it out, but you can’t say for certain.
(3). He was on the 1st PP unit that came up empty in crunchtime again. There’s only so much a bumper can do anyway. The puck moves around the half walls primarily.