Penguins star player reportedly willing to test free agency

The Pittsburgh Penguins appear to be the tale of two teams and the squad is coming out of their funk and mounting a charge towards a wild card spot.

In their last 10 games, the team has strung together a record of 7-2-1 and put themselves back in contention being two points out of the playoffs.

Pens forward Jake Guentzel was the subject of many trade rumour as he will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, including being connected to the Oilers. On a recent report from David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, it was mentioned on what his intentions are when it comes to a contract extension.




According to Pagnotta, Guentzel likely won't hear any contract offers throughout this season from the Penguins. By putting off extension talks, it makes it more likely Guentzel could be traded as a rental at the deadline, or to reach free agency after this season with the Pens.

Guentzel has been a quiet leader with the Pens and has shown he holds great value for his talent. In 37 games this season, he has scored 18 goals, with 25 assists for 43 points and is a +11.

Holding a $6,000,000 cap hit, it's expected general manager Kyle Dubas would potentially take calls from other managers seeing what he could receive in a trade deadline deal.

With the team now surging and the playoff landscape changing, it's likely he will remain with the Penguins and try to sign with them in the offseason.