Jake Guentzel would give the Red Wings more than just a depth-scoring option
While the Red Wings could get by with a depth-scoring addition at the 2024 trade deadline, Jake Guentzel would give them more than that should they trade for him. This is a forward who has averaged over 20 minutes of ice time across the previous four seasons, and that trend will continue this year once he’s ready to roll again.
He’s also a physical player who can help out the Red Wings defensively. Detroit may be winning games thanks to their high-octane approach, but without the puck, they are far from a playoff-caliber team.
Guentzel wouldn’t work miracles when the Red Wings are in their own zone, but he wouldn’t make it so easy for opponents to skate through and take advantage of scoring lanes.
Despite his recent injury, Guentzel has also proven to be rather durable since the 2020-21 season, playing in 210 regular season contests between then and 2022-23. Therefore, he won’t spend too much time in the press box once he’s cleared to return.
Guentzel also isn’t the type of player who can only score, as his 30 assists this season had him on pace for a career-high before his injury. He’s good at finding linemates who have an open scoring lane and letting them do the rest, something that will take Detroit to even higher levels offensively.