Jake Guentzel’s asking price revealed and teams claim it’s “ridiculous”

The future of Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jake Guentzel remains up in the air ahead of the March 8 trade deadline which as visibly prompted general manager Kyle Dubas from thinking about what he would like to get in a trade for the winger.

According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, Dubas has put a huge price tag on Guentzel, seeking a package of multiple first-round picks (or a first-round pick and equivalent in top prospects or roster players).

This got to the ears of some rival general managers, potentially looking to acquire a boost up front, but one says the price is simply ridiculous.

“Interest in Jake Guentzel around the league hasn’t waned at all, despite him being on injured reserve through the March 8 deadline. It still seems likely Guentzel is on the move. I’ve heard the asking price on Guentzel is multiple first-round picks (or a first-round pick and equivalent in top prospects or roster players). One rival executive said “the Guentzel asking price is ridiculous.”

The Penguins are still fighting for a spot in the postseason, which could be why Guentzel has remained put. He is still sidelined with injury, though he’s proven for long enough how valuable he is in Pittsburgh.

While the Pens might be waiting to see if playoff participation is still possible, the real reason behind a Guentzel trade not taking place could be because of that hefty price tag…

There is also chatter that captain Sidney Crosby would prefer to keep Guentzel on his roster in order to have maximum chance at another championship in Pittsburgh in the next few seasons. There is the possibility that the Penguins focus on balancing future success with winning now in order to have another championship run with Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.

Time is running out - not only when it comes to Dubas’ decision ahead of the trade deadline, but also on that championship window in Pittsburgh.

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