Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jake Guntzel was considered a mainstay with the Pittsburgh Penguins and their search for a Stanley Cup before captain SIdney Crosby retired. However, things did not work out as planned. Two teams later, Guentzel is in line for a playoff run with the Lightning.
Lightning's Jake Guentzel striving for another Cup
Drafted by the Penguins in the third round (77th overall) in the 2013 NHL Draft, Guentzel had much success resulting in one Stanley Cup in 2017, his rookie season. Guentzel was then traded to the Carolina Hurricanes last season after he failed to come to a new contract.
After averaging over a point-per-game, he was traded to the Lightning for a third-round pick in 2025. This move helped fill the offensive void left by winger Steven Stamkos, who had signed with the Nashville Predators.
Lightning's signing of Guentzel paying off
This season, he has been a star for the Lightning. He ranks fourth in team scoring and has been on fire over his last five games, posting four goals and three assists for seven points. Overall, he has 38 goals and 36 assists for 74 points in 75 games along with a plus-20 rating. His 38 goals lead the team, and his goal totals include 16 power-play goals, giving him 22 power-play points on the season.
If you are looking at stats only, Guentzel has been a better player overall than Stamkos, giving the Lightning the offense lost and more. He has been a solid two-way player, giving the opposition fits at both ends of the ice. With the playoffs right around the corner, his presence will be much needed heading int the most critical part of the season.
Tampa Bay is not what they used to be but with the addition of Guentzel, they are still dangerous. He gives them an offensive threat aside from Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. He is a threat in the offensive zone and another player in the lineup who can win a game by themselves on any given night. Guentzel is a player who can put this team on his back and carry them to another Stanley Cup. Tampa Bay is in a tight race for top spot in the Atlantic Division as they wind down the 2024-25 season.