Jake Guentzel re-signing with the Carolina Hurricanes is no certainty, but the pending UFA signing with a rebuilding club seems less likely, says Lyle Richardson.

Jake Guentzel

Speculation about Jake Guentzel’s future with the Carolina Hurricanes surfaced last month following their second-round elimination by the New York Rangers.

Completing a five-year contract with an average annual value of $6 million, he’s eligible for UFA status on July 1.

Initial reports indicated Guentzel was open to staying with the Hurricanes. It was believed they would prioritize re-signing the 29-year-old winger over that of RFA forward Martin Necas.

Last Monday, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported that contract talks continued between the Hurricanes and the Guentzel camp. However, he indicated that Guentzel intended to test the market when free agency begins on July 1, though he’d keep Carolina open as an option. The Hockey News’ Ryan Henkel believes he’d be too expensive for the Hurricanes to retain.

On Friday, Henkel cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting the Hurricanes were shopping Guentzel’s signing rights.

“I believe Carolina has let everyone know that if you want to trade for his rights and a chance to sign him, that it’s possible for a mid-round pick,” said Friedman.

Friedman also said he was told the Chicago Blackhawks are a team worth watching. He claimed they’re looking to advance their rebuilding timetable.

The day prior, San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng cited Friedman’s colleague Jeff Marek making an admittedly wild prediction that Guentzel could sign with the rebuilding Sharks. Peng noted the Sharks have plenty of salary cap space and appear motivated to surround their promising young assets with veteran talent.

The Hockey News’ Rob Couch shared that view about Guentzel if he joined the Blackhawks. He pointed out that they have the draft capital and shouldn’t hesitate to acquire the former 40-goal scorer.

Guentzel would unquestionably help either rebuilding club. San Jose fans can imagine him lining up alongside Macklin Celebrini, who is expected to be selected by the Sharks as the first-overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft. He’d also be a solid addition alongside Blackhawks center and current Calder Trophy favorite Connor Bedard.

Guentzel’s willingness to sign with a rebuilding team could puncture those fantasies. He turns 30 on Oct. 9 and could prefer spending what remains of his playing prime with a club that can win a Stanley Cup over the next five years. He could be well past that prime by the time the Blackhawks and Sharks are ready to become serious contenders, assuming their rebuild goes to plan.

If Guentzel is more interested in landing a lucrative, long-term deal, the Blackhawks and Sharks could have a good shot at signing him. In that case, it makes sense for either club to acquire his signing rights as soon as possible and hammer out a new deal by July 1.

However, if chasing another Stanley Cup is of more importance to Guentzel, it would be a waste of time for any rebuilding club to pursue him.