Although he is being evaluated still, there is positive injury news for Jake Guentzel as he will travel with the Penguins to Columbus. He is considered day-today in the meantime. Guentzel has enjoyed an incredible start to his 2022-23 season, as he leads all NHLers with three GWG while collecting five points (3G/2A) in four games off of 17 SOG.
Guentzel missed the season opener due to COVID-19 protocol but will play Thursday in Florida. Guentzel will play on the top line with Jeff Carter and Bryan Rust as well as PP1. Guentzel has averaged 39 goals and 43 assists (82 points) per 82 games over the last three seasons.
Guentzel cleared COVID-19 protocol and was on the ice for Wednesday's practice, presumable clearing the way for him to play on Thursday. If Guentzel plays, he will skate on the top line with Jeff Carter and Bryan Rust and return to his role on PP1.
Guentzel missed a big chunk of the preseason following a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, so he will be held out of the opener in Tampa. However, Guentzel did make the trip and will be re-evaluated ahead of Thursday's game against the Panthers.
Guentzel injured his shoulder while falling awkwardly into the boards after scoring his 20th goal of the season and will miss at least four months. The Penguins have battled injuries all season-long and have managed to go 24-11-4 (2nd in the Metro) but this is a huge blow to their top-6.
Guentzel was set to become a restricted free agent this summer but is now signed though the 2023-24 season. Guentzel is on-pace to shatter all of his previous career highs, picking up 15 goals and 18 assists (33 points) in 37 games—a 33-goal, 40-assist (73 points) pace.
Guentzel, 22, has three goals with one assist in five games with the Penguins earlier this season. The American-born winger leads the AHL with 21 goals and his 42 points (21G / 21A) is good for second. Guentzel has been great with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and will skate with Evgeni Malkin in Monday’s game.
Guentzel picked up three goals and one assist in his first five NHL games, but has been a healthy scratch for the last three games. The 22-year-old third-round pick (No.77 in 2013) returns to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL), where he has seven goals and 10 assists (17 points) in 16 games this season.
Guentzel, 22, was a third round pick (77th overall) of the Penguins’ in 2013. The American born forward has collected 17 points (7G / 10A) in 16 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton so far this season and will likely make his NHL debut on Monday after Chris Kunitz was moved to IR.
