Jake Guentzel Discusses Leaving Carolina Hurricanes: My Plan was to Stay” | NHL News Times of India

Former Carolina Hurricanes forward, Jake Guentzel, has spoken out about his departure from the team, providing key details into how the move was executed, including which elements were within and those beyond his control.

Reports suggest that Tampa Bay Lightning have obtained Guentzel from the Hurricanes in return for a 2025 third-round pick in the NHL draft. The Lightning managed to negotiate a new seven-year contract with him, worth $63 million, before his legal entry into free agency.

After his sudden exit from the Hurricanes, Guentzel revealed that he departed because he was signed by the Tampa Bay Lightning during the NHL 2024 off-season. This signing came after the Lightning obtained his signing rights in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick from the Hurricanes.

“This was a whirlwind period, made more complex as it was my first time moving to a different team,” Guentzel explained. “But, Carolina was a fantastic experience with a great team and amazing players, so it was enjoyable.”

He admitted that while he was hoping for a deal after the season, it did not happen. The closer it got to free agency, the more he just thought to see what would happen. Then the Tampa Bay Lightning came along, traded for his rights, and he accepted the offer.

Guentzel is now set to continue his NHL career with the Tampa Bay Lightning, following a negotiation for a new seven-year contract, worth $63 million. This move is seen as one of stability and raised expectations for the 29-year-old striker, who is entering the prime of his career with a history of playoff heroics and top-line scoring to his credit.

Joining the Lightning, Guentzel is stepping into a team seeking to hold onto its winning legacy whilst re-gearing for the future. The expectation is that he will easily fit into Lightning’s high-power offense while playing alongside leading forwards such as Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point and captain Steven Stamkos. Given his strong abilities in both creating and finishing plays, Guentzel seems a well-suited addition to Lightning’s aggressive playing style.