With the Carolina Hurricanes losing in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Pittsburgh Penguins lose out on another first-round draft pick. The Hurricanes failure to reach the Stanley Cup Final completes a condition laid out in the Jake Guentzel trade.
By Josh Yohe. Dec 20, 2023
The Penguins dealt Guentzel to the Hurricanes in exchange for Michael Bunting, a few key prospects, and a conditional second-round draft pick. The pick officially belongs to the Philadelphia Flyers and the condition surrounded around the Hurricanes making the Final.
Had they made it, the pick would have been elevated to a first-round selection.
Barring a trade, the Penguins will enter the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas without a first-round selection. The first pick the Penguins possess is the 44th overall pick.
The Penguins are used to not having first-round picks, but this will be the first time in three years they’ll likely go without one. President and general manager Kyle Dubas is always looking to build the prospect pool, but this year’s draft won’t be the easiest spot to find top players.
Guentzel is now set to become an unrestricted free agent after 17 regular season and 10 playoff games with the Hurricanes. In his 17 games leading to the playoffs, Guentzel scored eight goals and 17 assists for 25 points.
He kept up his status as a playoff performer with nine points in those 10 games.
The Hurricanes will also keep their fifth-round pick as part of the conditions of the trade.
Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
