Tampa Bay Lightning newcomer Jake Guentzel feels plenty of optimism about the club's chances.
The Tampa Bay Lightning made a massive splash earlier this month, signing Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million contract. With this move, he is expected to be a long-term part of the Lightning's core as they begin a new chapter in their history.
While speaking at Da Beauty League, Guentzel made it clear that he has high hopes for the Lightning.
Here is what Guentzel said on the matter: "They all know how to win. There’s just a winning pedigree there. [And I] still feel like we have a chance to win.
Guentzel also added: "It’s a new team, a new division, and a new opportunity. Last year was a really different year for me with injury and being traded and what not, but I learned a lot, too. I think heading into this season with Tampa is going to be really exciting, just to see what we can manage to do together with all the high-end talent there is. Like I said, if I just play my game and my style of hockey, hopefully, it will click, and we can do something really special down there."
Guentzel, 29, should provide the Lightning's lineup with a significant boost in 2024-25 and onward. The star winger is coming off a strong campaign, posting 30 goals, 77 points, and a plus-25 rating in 67 games split between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes. He was also solid during the playoffs for the Canes, posting four goals and nine points in 11 games.
There is no question that the Lightning have the potential to make some noise in the Eastern Conference heading into the 2024-25 season. It will be intriguing to see if Guentzel's expectations for the Lightning are met and if the club makes a big push next campaign.
