Lightning Enhance Forward Depth with Acquisition of Jake Guentzel amid Possible Stamkos Exit
Sunday, June 30th, 2024
The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired winger Jake Guentzel, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent, from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a third-round draft pick in 2025.
Guentzel is anticipated to enter unrestricted free agency on Monday. By securing him in a trade, the Lightning have a unique opportunity to negotiate and sign him before he becomes available on the open market.
This acquisition follows the Lightning's recent trades of Mikhail Sergachev and Tanner Jeannot, which freed up $16.5 million in salary cap space.
Initially, it was believed that the newly available cap space would be used to re-sign team captain Steven Stamkos. However, general manager Julien BriseBois has conveyed that Stamkos is likely to explore free agency.
BriseBois explained that the team's main goal with the extra cap space is to reinforce their forward lineup.
Guentzel, who has achieved four seasons with 30 or more goals, is expected to be a valuable addition to a forward group that includes Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli, Nicholas Paul, Brandon Hagel, and potentially Steven Stamkos.
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