Tampa Bay Lightning sign Steven Stamkos' replacement to a massive contract
The Tampa Bay Lightning have officially extended Jake Guentzel to a massive seven-year deal that will likely have him retire as a member of the Lightning.
Earlier, the Tampa Bay Lightning traded a third-round pick for Jake Guentzel's UFA rights.
Latest addition coming to Tampa! ⚡️
We have acquired forward Jake Guentzel from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
We have acquired forward Jake Guentzel from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
It was then announced that Guentzel agreed to a contract with the Lightning, solidifying that their current captain Steven Stamkos will be leaving in free agency.
Jake Guentzel has agreed to terms on a contract with the Lightning, according to @frank_seravalli
Still not finalized, but all signs point to Tampa getting Jake Guentzel signed to a 7-year deal. I would expect an announcement sometime tomorrow before the market opens. The Bolts weren't going to trade for his rights without feeling good about their chances to get him signed.
Guentzel scored 77 points in only 67 games last year splitting time between Pittsburgh and Carolina. Stamkos on the other hand scored 40 goals and 81 points in 79 games with the Lightning.
Guentzel is five years younger than Stamkos so that was likely a major factor in the Lightning electing to move for him instead of keeping Stamkos.
More details to come.
| POLL | ||
Who would you rather have next year? | ||
| Stamkos | 121 | 55.5 % |
| Guentzel | 97 | 44.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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