The Carolina Hurricanes made one of the biggest deals at the trade deadline when they acquired veteran center Jake Guentzel from the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was a sign that the Canes, at one point the favorites to win the Stanley Cup, were serious about making that happen this year by trading a combination of prospects and draft picks to get the two-time 40-goal scorer playing in the last year of his contract.
While Carolina’s dreams were dashed by the New York Rangers in the second round of the playoffs, it was by no means Guentzel’s fault. He scored eight goals and assisted on 17 more in the 17 regular season games he played for the Canes. Guentzel then added nine points (four goals, five assists) in 11 playoff games.
The question for now isn’t where Guentzel will play next season. First things first, will Carolina trade its negotiating rights to the star center before the free agency window opens at noon ET on July 1?
With a lot to be settled over the next couple of weeks, BetCarolina.com, your source for North Carolina sports betting news, is handicapping the Guentzel sweepstakes.
Where Will Jake Guentzel Play Next Season?
Keep in mind that the odds you see below are for entertainment purposes only. Don’t look for them at any licensed North Carolina sportsbook apps.
Team | Odds | Percent Chance |
|---|---|---|
Carolina Hurricanes | -175 | 63.6% |
Chicago Blackhawks | +1250 | 7.4% |
Vancouver Canucks | +1750 | 5.4% |
Vegas Golden Knights | +1750 | 5.4% |
Nashville Predators | +2500 | 3.8% |
Detroit Red Wings | +2500 | 3.8% |
The Field | +800 | 11.1% |
While there have been reports circulating about the Canes dealing Guentzel’s negotiating rights, we believe the two sides are likely to reach an agreement for him to stay in Raleigh. It won’t necessarily come easy, though, and definitely not cheap.
CapFriendly.com forecasts Carolina to have nearly $26.9 million in cap space for next season. The Hurricanes have five roster spots to fill, and they have up to 22 contract slots available before the team hits the maximum number of 50.
Guentzel played on a five-year deal with an average annual value of $6 million. He stands to get a significant raise for his next deal, with estimates for its AAV ranging from $8 million to nearly $10 million. So, if he signs with Carolina, he’ll take up a big chunk of the team’s cap space. That could keep them from resigning other key players from this year’s team, such as 25-goal scorer Teuvo Teräväinen.
Caesars Has Carolina On Its Mind For 2025
While the Florida Panthers are still two victories away from claiming this year’s Stanley Cup Final, some North Carolina sportsbooks are already looking ahead to next season. Oddsmakers at Caesars North Carolina Sportsbook are bullish on the Canes’ chances for next season.
Currently, Carolina is among four teams with odds of +1000. That group includes the Rangers, Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche. Caesars has the Panthers and Dallas Stars as co-favorites at +900.
The odds for these and other teams will change through the offseason as free agents sign, teams make trades and injuries occur. Should the Canes resign Guentzel, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them become either a co-favorite or the standalone favorite.
