The verdict would already be in for Jake Guentzel and the Canucks
The Canucks will be looking to bolster their top-six forward groups this offseason, whether that be through trade or free agency, and Jake Guentzel could be near the top of their list just like he was heading into the 2024 Trade Deadline.
According to Canucks Insider Irfaan Gaffar, however, Guentzel may already have his mind made up that he'll be signing in the United States.
Guentzel is from Nebraska and has spent his entire career in the United States with Pittsburgh and Carolina.
Gaffar says Guentzel may be the only free-agent option who would make sense for the Canucks, and they may be forced into the trade market to get another top-six winger.
Gaffar says a former Canuck like Toffoli, who would be welcome in Vancouver, could end up getting "Alex Killorn-like" money (upwards of $6 million into his late 30s).
The team will have to get creative to make a meaningful addition.
As heard on Rink Wide Vancouver:
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| POLL | ||
How do you think the Canucks should address their top six going into next year if Guentzel isn't an option? | ||
| Trade for elite forward, doesn't matter the cost | 293 | 14.9 % |
| Trade for mid-20s 2nd liner, keep premium assets | 856 | 43.7 % |
| Save assets for deadline, sign a veteran 3-4 years | 332 | 16.9 % |
| Stand pat until deadline/give youngsters a shot | 479 | 24.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
