Jake Guentzel #1 - Denied

[Jim Rutherford/Pens GM]

Jake Guentzel
2020/2021: 1.69 fppg (56 GP) - Tier 1
2019/2020: 1.92 fppg (39 GP) - ineligible*
2018/2019: 1.67 fppg (82 GP) - Tier 1
2017/2018: 1.19 fppg (82 GP) - Tier 2

*Should not be counted in contract negotiations for the following reasons:
- Under the 41 minimum GP for a full NHL season
- Missed the remainder of the season and his return time was NOT affected by the pandemic (ie. would not have returned later in the regular NHL season if not for the pandemic)
- Returned for COVID playoffs ONLY
- Pro-rated games should not be applied because he was hurt

Offer: 4 years @ 7.1M

[CarolinaHurricanesGM]

I'll take the plunge on this. Even his last two full seasons would have put him exactly at the 7.25M mark, and he has proven to be a different player (not to mention playing on Sid's wing). While he only played 39gp, even if you added two games where he did nothing (0 fpts), he would still be at 1.83fpts/g, which would put him close to 8.25M. While I hate to split hairs on ~150k, there is just no argument to be made that he shouldn't be at 7.25M, especially on a four year deal. His fantastic season last year (two GP short of 41) is just another example that 7.25M is the absolute minimum.

0-1

[Arizona GM - Jeremy]

I think EJ is correct here

0-2

[Patrick - NYR]

0-3

7.25M minimum for me