Transaction: Blackhawks complete their rebuild with this one big move

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Joshua Deeds
June 8, 2024 (5:14 PM)

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Free agency to kick off with a bang by the Chicago Blackhawks

With free agency fast approaching on July 1st, the Carolina Hurricanes have made Jake Guentzel available for trade.

It looks as if, they couldn't re-sign Guentzel in Canes country, according to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman.

On Jake Guentzel: Elliotte says "It sounds like he is available for a mid round pick." #CauseChaos #NHL

"I believe Carolina has let everyone know that if you want to trade for his rights for the chance to sign him it's possible for a mid-round pick."

According to Friedman, it looks as if the Chicago Blackhawks were one of the frontrunners for Jake Guentzel. They look to push forward the rebuild and find quality help for Connor Bedard.

«Someone said to me Chicago's starting to make noises like they'd like to move things along a little bit here... I don't think it's impossible that Chicago is considering this."

Guentzel, who will be 30, came off another excellent season in 2023-2024 scoring 30 goals and 77 points, in 67 games split between the Penguins and Hurricanes.

Guentzel is one of the top UFAs on the board, has had his 5-year $6 M AAV contract expire, and could fetch $8 Million AAV on the open market long-term.

The only question is, does the $8 Million dollar, 30-year old fit into the Blackhawk's rebuild timeline?

Source: NHL Trade Rumors.me
Insider: Jake Guentzel Now On Trade Block In Advance of UFA Status