A year away from free agency, comparables for Guentzel
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Pittsburgh Penguins 24-year old forward Jake Guentzel is entering the final year of his entry-level deal. He’ll be an RFA and will be looking for a nice raise.
He’s recorded 42 points in 37 playoff games, and his regular season this year could determine if he gets top-six money or if he gets a team friendly contract.
Potential comparables for Guentzel.
Jeff Skinner – an older deal but Skinner at 22-years old signed a six-year, $34.35 million deal – a $5.725 million cap hit.
Vladislav Namestnikov – the 25-year old signed two-year, $8 million deal this offseason – $4 million cap hit.
Anthony Mantha – the 23-year old Mantha signed a two-year bridge deal with a $3.3 million salary cap hit.
Alex Killorn – in 2016 Killorn signed a seven-year, $31.15 million extension – a $4.45 million cap hit.
A so-so season could see Guentzel get a two-year bridge deal at $4 million per.
If he has a good season he could be looking at Mike Hoffman four-year, $20.75 million – $5.187 million cap hit, Jaden Schwartz for five years, $26.75 million – $5.35 million cap hit, or Nikolaj Ehlers seven years, $42 million – $6 million cap hit.
One RFA remaining for the Golden Knights
Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal: The Vegas Golden Knights have one remaining restricted free agent – 23-year old defenseman Shea Theodore. The sides are working on a deal.
“We’ll continue to discuss and see if something can be done that makes sense for both parties,” McPhee said last week after coming to terms with restricted free-agent forward William Karlsson. “We’re still (four) weeks away from camp and two months away from the season, but it’d be nice if we can reach an agreement there and know what to expect going forward.”
Theodore wasn’t arbitration eligible and doesn’t have a lot leverage. Though unlikely, if not signed by December 1st he’ll be ineligible to play this season.
