Exclusive statement from Darren Pang reveals info on Blackhawks big acquisition
Blackhawks to acquire Jake Guentzel
During an episode of the CHGO Blackhawks podcast, former Blackhawks goaltender Darren Pang joined the crew and discussed a bombshell dropped by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek regarding the possibility of Jake Guentzel being acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks.
Pang was gushing at the idea of Guentzel becoming a member of the Blackhawks as he had stated that he had played with a phenomenal talent in Sidney Crosby for many years, is an outstanding person and would look great alongside Connor Bedard.
This conversation was sparked by Friedman when he was asked on the Jeff Marek Show where Guentzel would end up.
Friedman felt that his close ties to the Midwestern United States where he comes from would be an ideal reason for him to sign with the Blackhawks.
The Hawks also hold large amounts of cap space to which they can accommodate a large contract by Guentzel as he seeks a long-term deal that would be seven years.
Having split his time between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Penguins this year after being dealt at the deadline, Guentzel had played 67 games, scoring 30 goals with 47 assists for 77 points and was a + 25.
The 29-year-old is finishing off his five-year $30 million contract signed by the Penguins and it's likely he will be seeking a large raise north of $8 million per season.
The Blackhawks have 14 players signed for next season and have $33.7 million in cap space. Depending on what he's asking, the Blackhawks have sufficient funds to look after a contract that he's looking for.
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Will the Blackhawks sign Jake Guentzel to a contract? | ||
| Yes | 144 | 63.4 % |
| No | 83 | 36.6 % |
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