Jake Guentzel to the Toronto Maple Leafs? Sources believe it's possible

If the Toronto Maple Leafs are able to cut forward Mitch Marner's salary, they have big intentions, according to a claim from an NHL insider. Frank Seravalli reports that general manager Brad Treliving has his sights set on Jake Guentzel, one of the top players available as a free agent on July 1.

Before Guentzel becomes a free agency, the Carolina Hurricanes still have chance to sign him to an extension. But like the Maple Leafs, the Canes are in a situation where money needs to be shifted in order to make it happen. Guentzel is nearing the end of a five-year contract that he inked with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2018 and carried a $6 million annual cap hit. The 29-year-old will soon get a sizable pay increase.

Seravalli adds that in an effort to strengthen its roster for the 2024–25 campaign, Vancouver is anticipated to go all out to recruit Guentzel.

With 491 points in 520 NHL games played so far in his career, Guentzel is almost a point-per-game player. In 69 postseason games, he has contributed 38 goals and 68 points. He is therefore a very alluring option for any team in the league trying to bolster their roster. Without a doubt, he will have a plethora of offers if he manages to avoid signing a new contract with Carolina by July 1.

Source: Blade of Steel
Maple Leafs have sights set on Jake Guentzel if salary can be moved out