3 reasons why the Red Wings must acquire Jake Guentzel at the trade deadline

While there is a good chance Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is finished making blockbuster trades and would instead opt for more under-the-radar moves at the 2024 trade deadline, we still can’t count out the possibility he finds a way to make one more. Jake Guentzel is perhaps the biggest name in the rumor mill among forwards, so don’t be surprised if Yzerman at least makes a serious push for the 29-year-old. 

While Guentzel is currently on injured reserve and will miss significant time, there is a good chance he will return following the trade deadline. Therefore, it wouldn’t hurt to acquire Guentzel, only to see him take the ice for the most important part of the regular season, in which every game will be meaningful for Detroit. 

The Motor City would also be a great fit for Guentzel for several reasons, and we know Yzerman is doing all he can to ensure this team turns the corner, given his trade for Alex Debrincat this past summer. 

DeBrincat has become yet another prolific scorer for Detroit, snagging 19 goals in 56 contests so far this season. Yzerman also brought in Patrick Kane, who has 24 points in 25 games.

Jake Guentzel to the Red Wings makes sense on many accounts

Despite DeBrincat and Kane’s success so far this season with the Red Wings, Jake Guentzel may bring even more upside. He’s found the net 98 times since the beginning of 2021-22, and he’s been a major factor as to why the Penguins haven’t fallen entirely into obscurity this year. 

Guentzel is also playing for an aging team that, sooner or later, could look to start rebuilding. There is even talk about Sidney Crosby leaving Pittsburgh at some point, so if general manager Kyle Dubas indeed starts hosting a fire sale involving Crosby following the season, it could indicate Guentzel will be the first to go so Pittsburgh can get something for him, or else he walks in free agency.