Kyle Dubas Releases Statement On Jake Guentzel's Recent Comments

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Hunter Bowman
March 28, 2024 (10:49)

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For nearly eight seasons, Jake Guentzel was a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Penguins offense, consistently finding the back of the net.

As the 2023-24 season began, contract talks between Guentzel and Penguins president/general manager Kyle Dubas hadn't kicked off, with Guentzel in the final year of his deal.

As the trade deadline loomed, it became evident that Guentzel would likely be on the move. The night before the deadline, he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Michael Bunting and several promising prospects.

Returning to Pittsburgh with his new team, Guentzel shared his feelings about his departure from the Penguins.

«My intention was to stay. They thought there was a better direction.»

When asked to respond to Guentzel's comment, Kyle Dubas addressed the situation on Mark Madden's radio show.

«Jake's entitled to his opinion and has earned the right, especially in this market, to give his opinion,» Dubas said. «What I would say is, my hope going into the year is that everything would go to the most optimistic viewpoint.»

Dubas explained that given the Penguins' struggles to compete for the Stanley Cup, trading Guentzel seemed like the prudent move.

«That would dictate the decision-making differently than it did,» Dubas said. «I'm sorry that it ended up being Jake as the one whos contract was up at that time. Do you wish it wasn't Jake? Of course.»

Dubas had previously expressed his intention to discuss an extension with Guentzel at the right time. However, with the Penguins far from playoff contention, the timing never aligned.

Dubas acknowledged that Guentzel's comments may have been fueled by emotions, especially coming after the Penguins' victory over the Hurricanes.

«Especially right after a game,» Dubas said. «Competitors like Jake are emotional. He's entitled to feel how he feels, and I don't take any umbrage with that at all."

As seen on: Penguins GM Responds to Jake Guentzel's Comments