I absolutely hate the thought of Guentzel leaving.

If he does though I think this could be a good for for both teams. In my dream scenario we still sign him to 9.5x8 in the off-season

Many people have been posting near the same Van trade.

to the point that its a swap both teams need im not so sure about. If he hits the market there will likely be a bidding war and this does not get it done

I think this is a logical move for both teams. I would say we try and get Hoglander back too, that way we not only get a replacement, but also some depth and a good player for the future. I don't think Kuzmenko will be able to make up for Guentzel's production, but if we continue to play structured hockey and good team defense I think we will be tough to beat regardless whose in the lineup.

Canucks decline.

I also hate the idea. 100%. But 9.5 x 8 is just too much for us when we're 1-2 years away from a rebuild and I don't think it makes sense for either side. Guentzel could sign with a rebuilding team who will be good in 1-2 years, then he can be on a contender for the remainder of the deal. As opposed to signing with us, contending for 1 maybe 2 years if were lucky, then being on a bottom team for the rest of his career. That's where I am unsure because obviously I want him back, but I just don't know if it makes sense for either side

That’s good cause tbh, Pens probably ask for Nils back too or else it’s not good for them

If they trade Guentzel, this is probably close to the deal.

Both sides can walk away without an L for their players and fans.

The best thing long term for the penguins franchise would be to lose some tight games in the next month and fall out of the playoff picture and flip guentzel for a 1st plus a good prospect maybe more depends on how many teams get involved… this does not mean PIT could not resign Jake in the off-season but if we were to trade him I doubt we would… obviously I’d hate to see guentzel leave, he would be a great career penguin, if he stayed in PIT till retirement no one would complain but the sooner the pens start trying to be terrible again and start building for the future the better the next era of penguins hockey will turn out

I don't disagree but it is also a scenario where they resign him and in (lets say) 3 years they make some moves, eat salary and trade him. A player like Guentzel can play at a high level into his mid 30s. If you traded him in 3 years (and ate some salary) you could get just as large of a return while also competing for this season and 2 more.