LATEST | Jake Guentzel trade proposal is lighting up the web: Precisely what the Canucks must not do

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Felip Gosselin
January 17, 2024 (8:40 PM)

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It's becoming evident that the Canucks have started their shopping ahead of the deadline. They've been linked to various names, but one that keeps coming back, due to his experience, star status, and link to the team's management, Jake Guentzel, has been in every possible talk on the web.

Guentzel is on the grasp of free agency, the Penguins are nowhere near where they hoped to be when the season started, and their new GM, Kyle Dubas, may be looking to unload some of his top producers to acquire future assets. The Vancouver market is going wild about it, and many mock trades have been flying around. Still, this particular one has circulated tons and too many have bought into the idea that it's a move that needs to be pulled off by the Canucks' GM.

TO VANCOUVER

- Jake Guentzel

TO PITTSBURGH

- Andrei Kuzmenko
- Vasily Podkolzin
- 2024 1st Round Draft Selection

Guentzel may be the best player for teams looking at a steep playoff run. However, in no scenario should the Canucks consider giving the equivalent of possibly three first-round picks only for a 30-year-old rental.

The Canucks have been on a nice run since the season started, but this group's lack of playoff experience should have the team's management acting as cautious buyers instead of going all-in.

At this point, the Canucks should be open to all possibilities, including the likes of trading Podkolzin, their 1st Round Pick and perhaps even Kuzmenko. However, it would be reckless to give all of them away for a player that might not be in Vancouver when next season begins.