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Jake Guentzel
Jake Guentzel
Jake Guentzel
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Jake Allen Guentzel (born October 6, 1994) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a left winger for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the third round, 77th overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2013 NHL entry draft, and won the Stanley Cup with the Penguins in 2017. Guentzel has also previously played for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Key Information

Playing career

[edit]

Amateur

[edit]
Guentzel playing for the Omaha Mavericks in March 2015

Born in Omaha, Nebraska[1] on October 6, 1994, Guentzel grew up in Woodbury, Minnesota. He played two years of varsity hockey at Hill-Murray School in Maplewood, Minnesota, with the school's team finishing second in the 2012 MN State Hockey Tournament.[2] He then joined by the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the 2012–13 season, recording 29 goals, 44 assists for 73 points in 60 games.[3] He finished sixth overall in the league in scoring and was voted the USHL Rookie of the Year as well as being named to the USHL All-Rookie Team.[4] He was also named to the league's Second All-Star Team.[5]

Having committed to play for the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college hockey program, he joined them for the 2013–14 season. In his freshman year with the Omaha Mavericks, Guentzel was named to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Academic All-Conference Team, the NCHC All-Conference Rookie Team and was a finalist for NCHC Rookie of the Year.[6] He recorded seven goals and 34 points in 37 games with the Mavericks that season.[3] In his sophomore season in 2014–15, he helped guide the Mavericks to their first showing in the Frozen Four, scoring the team's only goal in a 4–1 loss to the Providence Friars.[7] He finished the season with 14 goals and 39 points in 36 games as the team's leading scorer.[3][6] On August 27, 2015, before Guentzel's junior year in 2015–16, he was named a co-captain along with Brian Cooper after a vote by the team.[8] He appeared in 35 games, marking 19 goals and 46 points,[3] finishing as the team's leading scorer for the second consecutive year. He was named an NCHC Scholar-Athlete and a member of the NCHC Academic All-Conference Team along with being named to the NCHC All-Conference Second Team.[6] He decided to forego his senior year with UNO to turn professional.[9]

Professional

[edit]

Pittsburgh Penguins (2016–2024)

[edit]

Guentzel was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the third round, 77th overall, of the 2013 NHL entry draft.[10] He first signed an amateur tryout contract with Pittsburgh's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (WBS Penguins) in March 2016 and helped them qualify for the 2016 Calder Cup playoffs. He finished the regular season making 11 appearances with WBS, scoring two goals and six points.[3][9] The Penguins advanced to the second round, where they were eliminated by the Hershey Bears in their best-of-seven series. In ten playoff games, Guentzel added five goals and 14 points, leading the team in playoff scoring.[3][10] Guentzel signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on May 23, 2016.[11]

Guentzel, Nick Bonino, and Kris Letang celebrating the Penguins' Stanley Cup win in June 2017

Guentzel began the 2016–17 season in the AHL.[12] He was recalled by Pittsburgh on November 16, 2016, after an injury to Chris Kunitz.[13] Guentzel made his NHL debut on November 21, against the New York Rangers; he scored two goals on his first two shots.[14] Despite this, the Penguins lost the game 5–2.[15] He appeared in five games for Pittsburgh, recording three goals and four points before being returned to WBS on December 16.[16] Guentzel was selected for the 2017 AHL All-Star Classic alongside teammate Tristan Jarry.[17] Pittsburgh recalled him again on January 17, 2017, after he recorded 21 goals and 42 points in 33 games in the AHL.[18] On March 21, Guentzel suffered a concussion on a check from Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. He missed the next four games, while Ristolainen was suspended by the league for three games.[19] He finished the season with Pittsburgh, scoring 16 goals and 33 points in 40 games total.[3] The Penguins qualified for the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs and faced the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round. On April 16, he scored a hat-trick, which included the game-winning goal in overtime, to put the Penguins up 3–0 in their series against the Blue Jackets. He became the first Penguins rookie to score a playoff hat-trick, and only the second rookie in NHL history to score a hat-trick and overtime goal in the same game of the playoffs.[20] On June 11, 2017, the Penguins won the Stanley Cup after defeating the Nashville Predators in six games. During the run, Guentzel recorded 21 points, tying Dino Ciccarelli and Ville Leino for points by a rookie in a single postseason. His total of 13 goals was one shy of Ciccarelli's record.[21] He was also named to the AHL's 2017 All-Rookie Team alongside teammate Casey DeSmith.[22]

Guentzel began the 2017–18 season in the NHL, putting up a career high 48 points in 82 games to help the Penguins qualify for the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs. During the first round of the playoffs, Guentzel recorded four goals in an 8–5 Game 6 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.[23] He became the third Penguins player to record four goals in a playoff game, behind Mario Lemieux and Kevin Stevens.[24] Advancing past the Flyers, they were eliminated by the Washington Capitals in six games in their best-of-seven series.[25] In all 12 playoff games, Guentzel scored 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points.[3]

The 2018–19 season marked the last year Guentzel was on his entry level rookie contract. The Penguins began the season with a slow start, landing near the bottom of the league in early November.[26] On November 24, 2018, Guentzel recorded his first regular season hat trick in a 4–2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.[27] The following month, on December 27, the Penguins re-signed Guentzel to a five-year, $30 million contract.[28] Guentzel recorded his second regular season hat trick in a 7–4 win over the Anaheim Ducks on January 11, 2019.[29] His hat trick was the first by a Penguins player ever against the Anaheim Ducks.[30] After a two-goal game the following night against the Los Angeles Kings, Guentzel was named the NHL's Third Star of the Week.[31] He recorded a four-point game on March 2, scoring two goals and adding two assists in a 5–1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.[32] He finished the regular season with 40 goals and 76 points in 82 games.[3] The Penguins made the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs and faced the New York Islanders in the first round.[33] However, the first line, of which Guentzel and linemate Sidney Crosby were the key components, failed to score, and the Penguins were eliminated in a four-game sweep.[34] Guentzel scored just once in the series.[3]

In the 2019–20 season, Guentzel put up 20 goals and 23 assists for 43 points in 39 games for the Penguins, and was voted in to play in the 2020 NHL All-Star Game.[35] On December 30, 2019, Guentzel recorded his 200th career point as he scored a goal against the Ottawa Senators. However, immediately after scoring the goal, Guentzel tripped over the stick of Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot, and crashed shoulder first into the boards behind the net. The next day, Guentzel underwent successful shoulder surgery that sidelined him for six months.[36] Guentzel was expected to miss the remainder of the season, but with the NHL pushing the start of the playoffs into early August due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he was able to recover and join his teammates for the postseason.[37] Despite a healthy Guentzel available to the team, the heavily favored Penguins were upset by the Montreal Canadiens in the Qualifying Round of the tournament in four games.[38] Guentzel recorded a goal and three points in the series.[3]

The 2020–21 season was shortened due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic. In the 56-game season, Guentzel continued to score at a blistering pace. For the second straight season, Guenztel finished at a point-per-game production rate with 23 goals and 57 points that season.[39] Pittsburgh once again fell to the New York Islanders in the first round of the following postseason, where he and his linemates struggled to produce. He scored only one goal and two points as the Penguins were eliminated in six games.[40]

In the 2021–22 season, the league returned to its usual 82-game format. Although he missed the season opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning due to the NHL's COVID-19 protocol, he made his season debut against the Florida Panthers on October 14 in a 5–4 overtime loss.[39] He once again posted high production numbers through November 2021, scoring 15 points through the Penguins' November 14 games. From November 13 against the Ottawa Senators until December 6 in the Penguins' first ever game against the expansion Seattle Kraken, Guenztel amassed a 13-game point streak where he collected a total of 12 goals and 19 points overall.[41] In the twelfth game, he scored a hat trick and an assist against the Vancouver Canucks in a 4–1 victory.[42] In the thirteenth game, Guentzel left the game against Seattle after blocking a shot with his right hand in the first period. Although he returned to the game and scored two goals and an assist in the 6–1 victory, the streak ended as head coach Mike Sullivan ruled him out for a few weeks on December 8.[43]

Guentzel celebrates his hat-trick against the Boston Bruins at PPG Paints Arena in April 2022

Guentzel's finish to the season was another 40-goal campaign, capped off by another hat trick against the Boston Bruins.[44] However, despite holding a 3-1 series lead over the New York Rangers in the first round of the postseason and Guentzel's eight goals through the series, the Rangers rallied to eliminate the Penguins in seven games.[45]

In the 2022–23 season, Guentzel remained on the Penguins first line for 78 games of the season. Guentzel fell just short of his previous season's 40-goal mark, finishing with 36 goals and 37 assists for 73 points. This season was also the first time in his career with the Penguins that he did not make a postseason appearance, as the Penguins failed to make the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2006, missing by one point.[46]

Carolina Hurricanes (2024)

[edit]

On March 7, 2024, with Guentzel injured and the Penguins struggling to win games late in the season, the team traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes, along with Ty Smith, in exchange for Michael Bunting, Ville Koivunen, prospect Cruz Lucius, Vasili Ponomaryov, and two conditional 2024 draft picks.[47] He was activated on March 12 making his Carolina debut against the New York Rangers,[48] and scored his first goal with the Hurricanes on March 17 against the Ottawa Senators.[49] He finished the season with eight goals and 17 points in 25 games with the Hurricanes.[3] The Hurricanes qualified for the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs and faced the New York Islanders in the first round. In Game 2 of the series, he registered a goal and an assist in a 5–3 win, aiding the comeback from a 3–0 deficit in the game.[50] The Hurricanes eliminated the Islanders to move on to the next round, to face the other team from New York, the Rangers.[51] In Game 2 of the series against the Rangers, Guentzel scored twice, but it was not enough as the Hurricanes lost 4–3 in double overtime.[52] Ultimately, the Rangers eliminated the Hurricanes in six games.[53] In all 11 playoff games, he scored four goals and nine points.[3]

Tampa Bay Lightning (2024–present)

[edit]

Unable to come to extension terms with the Hurricanes with his contract expiring in the 2024 offseason, Guentzel's rights were traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning on June 30, 2024, in exchange for a third-round pick in 2025.[54] That same day, it was announced that he signed a seven-year, $63 million contract with Tampa Bay.[55]

International play

[edit]

Guentzel was selected to play for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off, a round-robin tournament held in 2025.[56] He made his international debut against Finland in Team USA's opening game of the tournament. A 6–1 victory for the Americans, he recorded a goal and an assist in the game.[57] In the next game against Canada, he scored two of the Americans' goals in a 3–1 win.[58] Despite losing to Sweden in the next game, the Americans advanced to the tournament final, facing Canada.[59] The Canadians won the game 3–2 in overtime, with Team USA finishing second in the tournament.[60]

On January 2, 2026, he was named to Team USA's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.[61]

Personal life

[edit]

Guentzel comes from an ice hockey family.[62] His father, Mike, was a standout athlete for Greenway High School in Coleraine, Minnesota, and subsequently played hockey for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Later on Mike became the associate head coach at the University of Minnesota.[63] Guentzel was a stick boy for the team when future Penguins teammate Phil Kessel played for Minnesota.[64] His older brother, Ryan, played collegiately and professionally.[65][66] Another older brother, Gabe, played in the North American Hockey League and the USHL before embarking on a four-year NCAA career at Colorado College.[67]

Guentzel married his longtime girlfriend, Natalie Johnson, on July 30, 2021.[68] The couple have one son.[69]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]

Bold indicates led league

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2010–11 Hill-Murray School USHS 25 15 28 43 10 3 4 2 6 4
2011–12 Hill-Murray School USHS 31 23 52 75 16 3 1 4 5 0
2012–13 Sioux City Musketeers USHL 60 29 44 73 24 — — — — —
2013–14 University of Nebraska Omaha NCHC 37 7 27 34 16 — — — — —
2014–15 University of Nebraska Omaha NCHC 36 14 25 39 34 — — — — —
2015–16 University of Nebraska Omaha NCHC 35 19 27 46 20 — — — — —
2015–16 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL 11 2 4 6 0 10 5 9 14 0
2016–17 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL 33 21 21 42 12 — — — — —
2016–17 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 40 16 17 33 10 25 13 8 21 10
2017–18 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 82 22 26 48 42 12 10 11 21 8
2018–19 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 82 40 36 76 26 4 1 0 1 0
2019–20 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 39 20 23 43 14 4 1 2 3 0
2020–21 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 56 23 34 57 28 6 1 1 2 6
2021–22 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 76 40 44 84 44 7 8 2 10 2
2022–23 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 78 36 37 73 46 — — — — —
2023–24 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 50 22 30 52 14 — — — — —
2023–24 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 17 8 17 25 8 11 4 5 9 16
2024–25 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL 80 41 39 80 24 5 3 3 6 6
NHL totals 600 268 303 571 256 74 41 32 73 48

International

[edit]
Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2025 United States 4NF 2nd 4 3 1 4 2
Senior totals 4 3 1 4 2

Awards and honors

[edit]
Guentzel with the Penguins during the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals.
Award Year Ref
USHL
All-Rookie Team 2013 [4]
Rookie of the year 2013 [4]
Second all-star team 2013 [5]
College
NCHC All-Rookie Team 2014 [6]
AHL
All-Star Classic 2017 [17]
All-Rookie Team 2017 [22]
NHL
Stanley Cup champion 2017 [70]
All-Star Game 2020, 2022 [71]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jake Guentzel

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jake Guentzel is an American forward for the of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on October 6, 1994, in , he was drafted in the third round, 77th overall, by the in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut in 2016. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 183 pounds, Guentzel shoots left and is known for his speed, playmaking, and clutch playoff performances. Guentzel rose to prominence during his rookie season with the Penguins in 2016–17, where he recorded 16 goals and 33 points in 40 regular-season games before exploding in the with 13 goals—leading all scorers—and five game-winning goals, including the decisive tallies in Games 1 and 2 of the Final against the , helping secure a repeat championship. He followed this with three 40-goal seasons in 2018–19, 2021–22, and 2024–25 (41 goals), earning NHL selections in 2020, 2022, and 2025, and accumulating over 200 goals in his tenure. On March 7, 2024, Guentzel was traded to the along with defenseman Ty Smith in exchange for multiple draft picks and prospects, where he contributed 25 points in 17 regular-season games and advanced to the Eastern Conference Final. His time with Carolina ended on June 30, 2024, when he was traded to the for a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, followed by signing a seven-year, $63 million contract extension with an average annual value of $9 million, committing him to the team through the 2030–31 season. The son of former coach Mike Guentzel, he played college hockey at the , where he was a finalist for the in 2015–16 after leading the team with 70 points. Internationally, Guentzel has represented the , including winning gold at the 2015 World Junior Championships and competing at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.

Early life

Family background

Jake Guentzel was born on October 6, 1994, in , where his family resided temporarily due to his father's position as of the in the United States Hockey League (USHL). His parents are Mike Guentzel, a longtime college hockey coach who served as associate at the and assistant coach at the (UNO), and Sally Guentzel, a former setter at Hibbing Community College. Guentzel has two older brothers: Ryan, a former professional ice hockey player who later coached at East Ridge High School, and Gabe, a former professional defenseman who played in Europe. The family relocated from Nebraska to Woodbury, Minnesota, in 1995, where Guentzel was primarily raised in an environment steeped in the state's renowned hockey culture, often referred to as the "State of Hockey." His father's extensive coaching career profoundly shaped Guentzel's early exposure to elite-level hockey; as a young boy, he frequently attended practices and games with Mike at the , even serving as a stick boy for the Golden Gophers men's hockey team. This immersion in a hockey-centric household fostered Guentzel's passion for the sport from an early age, providing him with unique insights into the game's demands and strategies.

Youth and education

Born in , on October 6, 1994, Jake Guentzel relocated with his family to , at a young age, where he was immersed in the state's renowned hockey culture. Growing up in this environment, Guentzel was influenced by his father, Mike Guentzel, a longtime college hockey coach, which steered him toward the sport early on. From childhood, his primary athletic pursuit was hockey, though he occasionally participated in other local youth sports typical of suburbs. Guentzel began developing his foundational hockey skills in Woodbury's youth leagues, joining the Woodbury Area Hockey Club (WAHC) and playing for teams like the Woodbury Wings. As a bantam-level player, he contributed to a state championship win in Woodbury's youth system, honing his competitive edge and passion for the game through local tournaments and practices. These early experiences in Minnesota's grassroots hockey scene built his technical abilities and teamwork, setting the stage for more advanced play. For high school, Guentzel attended Hill-Murray School in nearby Maplewood, Minnesota, a prep institution known for its strong hockey program, where he focused on athletics alongside academics. He participated in varsity hockey for two seasons (2010–11 and 2011–12), excelling as a forward and balancing rigorous training with coursework. This period allowed him to refine his skills in a competitive high school setting while maintaining educational progress. Recognizing his potential, Guentzel opted to forgo completing his senior year at Hill-Murray in favor of joining the (USHL) with the in 2012–13, prioritizing professional development over traditional high school completion. He managed this transition by arranging for continued education through alternative means, ensuring he could pursue elite junior hockey without derailing his academic foundation.

Amateur career

Junior hockey

Guentzel began his junior hockey career in the United States Hockey League (USHL) after committing to the , joining the for the 2012–13 season as an 18-year-old rookie. Playing as a forward, he quickly adapted to the league's competitive level, which served as a key developmental step between high school and collegiate hockey, allowing him to refine his skills under increased physical demands and professional scouting attention. In 60 regular-season games with Sioux City, Guentzel recorded 29 goals and 44 assists for 73 points, leading the team in scoring and ranking among the league's top offensive contributors as a first-year player. His performance highlighted significant improvements in skating speed and playmaking ability, transitioning from his youth hockey roots in where he had already shown scoring prowess. Guentzel's standout rookie campaign earned him the USHL Rookie of the Year award, along with selections to the USHL All-Rookie Team and the Second All-Star Team, recognizing his rapid development and impact on the ice. These honors underscored his potential as a dynamic offensive talent, drawing attention from NHL scouts throughout the season. Despite finishing fifth in the Western Conference and missing the Clark Cup playoffs, Guentzel's play positioned him as a notable prospect. At the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Guentzel was selected by the in the third round, 77th overall, marking the culmination of his junior season and affirming his growth under the USHL's professional development model.

Collegiate career

Guentzel committed to the (UNO) prior to the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and enrolled as a for the 2013–14 season, joining in the (NCHC). In his freshman year, Guentzel recorded 7 goals and 27 assists for 34 points in 37 games, earning a spot on the NCHC All-Rookie Team and selection as NCHC Rookie of the Month for November and March/April. As a in 2014–15, he improved to 14 goals and 25 assists for 39 points in 36 games, receiving honorable mention All-NCHC honors while contributing to ' first-ever Frozen Four appearance, where he scored their lone goal in a 4–1 semifinal loss to Providence. During his junior season in 2015–16, Guentzel led the team with 19 goals and 27 assists for 46 points in 35 games, serving as co-captain and earning NCHC Second All-Star Team recognition as a finalist for Forward of the Year. Guentzel's tenure at UNO was bolstered by family connections, as his father, Mike Guentzel, had served as an assistant coach for the Mavericks during the 2010–11 season. His scoring prowess and leadership helped elevate the program, including the 2015 Frozen Four run that marked UNO's deepest NCAA tournament advancement at the time. After his junior year, Guentzel forwent his senior season and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 22, 2016.

Professional career

Pittsburgh Penguins

Guentzel signed a three-year entry-level contract with the on May 23, 2016, following his junior year at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He was immediately assigned to the American Hockey League's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for the playoffs, where he recorded 5 goals and 9 assists in 10 games. Guentzel made his NHL debut on November 21, 2016, in the regular season against the , scoring two goals. He was sent to the AHL midseason but recalled later, contributing to the 2016–17 playoffs where he appeared in 21 games with 13 goals and 21 points, including a in Game 3 vs. and goals vs. . These playoff appearances showcased his scoring ability alongside and helped the Penguins advance deep into the postseason. In the 2016–17 regular season, Guentzel established himself as a key contributor, playing 40 games and tallying 16 goals and 17 assists for 33 points before a midseason recall from the AHL. His performance exploded in the , where he led all players with 13 goals and 21 points in 25 games, tying the NHL record for most points by a in a single postseason. Guentzel's clutch play included a in Game 3 of the first round against the , making him the first to achieve this in the , and he factored into the team's second consecutive victory, earning consideration as playoff MVP. Guentzel's tenure peaked during the 2018–19 season, when he reached career highs with 40 goals and 76 points in 82 games, solidifying his role as a top-line winger. In the , lost in the first round to the , with Guentzel recording 3 goals and 3 assists in 12 games. He was selected to the NHL in 2020 and 2022, reflecting his consistent production of over 70 points in multiple seasons. On December 27, 2018, Guentzel signed a five-year, $30 million contract extension with , committing to the organization through the 2023–24 season at an average annual value of $6 million. During the 2023–24 season, Guentzel posted 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points in 50 games before suffering an upper-body injury in February. Over his eight seasons with , Guentzel amassed 213 goals and 216 assists in 505 regular-season games, establishing himself as a franchise cornerstone with exceptional playoff production, including 36 goals in 65 postseason contests.

Carolina Hurricanes

On March 7, 2024, the acquired forward Jake Guentzel from the in a multiplayer trade that sent forwards , Ville Koivunen, Cruz Lucius, and Vasily Ponomarev, along with a conditional second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, to Pittsburgh; the Penguins also sent defenseman Ty Smith to Carolina and retained 25% of Guentzel's salary. In 17 regular-season games with the Hurricanes during the 2023–24 season, Guentzel recorded 8 goals and 17 assists for 25 points, contributing to Carolina's strong finish atop the . He quickly adapted to the Hurricanes' aggressive forechecking system, which emphasizes high-pressure puck pursuit and quick transitions, leveraging his speed and defensive awareness to generate turnovers and scoring chances. Guentzel formed effective chemistry on the top line, primarily alongside center Sebastian Aho and winger or , where his playmaking complemented Aho's two-way game and the wingers' finishing ability, resulting in multiple multipoint outings and elevated offensive output for the unit. In the 2024 , he appeared in 15 of Carolina's 17 games, tallying 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points, including key contributions in the first two rounds against the and . The Hurricanes advanced to the Eastern Conference Final, where they fell to the in six games, with Guentzel's integration helping bolster the team's depth and playoff push. Guentzel's original contract with expired on July 1, 2024, making him an unrestricted ; the Hurricanes did not extend a long-term deal or issue a qualifying offer prior to trading his negotiating rights to the on June 30, 2024, in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

Tampa Bay Lightning

On June 30, 2024, the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired the rights to pending unrestricted free agent Jake Guentzel from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. The following day, July 1, 2024, Guentzel signed a seven-year contract extension with the Lightning valued at $63 million, including an average annual value of $9 million. In his first season with during 2024–25, Guentzel set a personal best with 41 goals and accumulated 80 points over 80 games, helping propel the to a second-place finish in the Atlantic Division and a berth in the , where they advanced to the first round before elimination. His scoring prowess, particularly on the power play, integrated seamlessly into the team's offensive system, complementing the playmaking of teammates like and . Entering the 2025–26 campaign, Guentzel has continued his strong production, registering 8 goals and 9 assists through 18 games as of November 18, 2025. He has developed notable chemistry on the top line alongside Point and Kucherov, contributing to Tampa Bay's early-season success and positioning the as contenders once again. Guentzel's quick to the Lightning's fast-paced, championship-caliber style has been evident, as he embraces a veteran presence on a squad aiming for another deep playoff run in pursuit of his third .

International play

2023 IIHF World Championship

Following the Pittsburgh Penguins' elimination from the 2022–23 NHL playoffs on April 15, 2023, Jake Guentzel expressed his intention to represent Team USA at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, scheduled for May 12–28 in Tampere, Finland, and Riga, Latvia. On April 25, 2023, USA Hockey announced the initial five-player roster for the tournament, naming Guentzel alongside Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres, Conor Garland of the Vancouver Canucks, Casey DeSmith of the Penguins, and Nick Bonino of the Minnesota Wild. At age 28, this selection would have marked Guentzel's senior international debut, despite his established NHL career, as previous postseason commitments with the Penguins had prevented prior participation. However, on April 27, 2023, Guentzel withdrew from the event as a precautionary measure due to an undisclosed injury sustained during the playoffs. The decision prioritized his long-term health and recovery ahead of the , with confirming the injury was not expected to affect his availability for or the regular-season opener. As a result, Guentzel did not play any games in the tournament.

2025 4 Nations Face-Off

Guentzel was selected to the Team USA roster for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off in December 2024, marking his first senior international appearance at age 30; he was the only player on the team without prior experience at that level. His inclusion followed an orientation camp process earlier that year, highlighting his reputation as a clutch performer from NHL playoffs. Making his international debut on February 13, 2025, against , Guentzel scored once in Team USA's 6–1 round-robin victory at in . He followed with a standout performance two days later against , netting both of his goals—including the game-tying tally and an empty-net insurance marker—in a 3–1 win that clinched the Americans' spot in the championship game. These efforts came in a tournament where Guentzel had previously sat out the due to an injury. Over four games, Guentzel recorded three goals and one assist for four points, along with a +2 rating, 13 shots on goal, and two penalty minutes. Playing as a top-line forward alongside and , he leveraged his signature speed and sniping ability, averaging 21:00 of ice time per game while contributing five shots and two penalty minutes in the pivotal victories over and . Team USA earned the after a 3–2 overtime loss to in the February 20 final at in , where scored the winner. Guentzel's contributions helped the Americans finish 2–1 in the round-robin stage before the decisive matchup.

Personal life

Marriage and children

Jake Guentzel married his longtime girlfriend, Natalie Johnson, on July 30, 2021. The couple first met while attending the , where Guentzel played hockey and Johnson competed as a on the women's soccer team from 2013 to 2016. Following their marriage, Johnson has focused on supporting Guentzel's career and their growing family, often attending games and maintaining a low public profile. On August 19, 2022, Guentzel and Johnson welcomed their first child, son Charlie Allen Guentzel, in . The birth came shortly after the couple's wedding, marking a significant personal milestone amid Guentzel's ongoing NHL success with the . As a new father, Guentzel has spoken about the joys and challenges of balancing parenthood with the demands of professional hockey, including time away from home during the season. In April 2025, Guentzel missed a game against the while awaiting the birth of his second child. Following Guentzel's trade to the in March 2024, his family remained based in , allowing him to visit them frequently during road games against his former team. This arrangement added an emotional layer to his return to on March 26, 2024, where he received a and video tribute, sharing the moment with Johnson and Charlie courtside. After signing a seven-year contract with the in July 2024, the family relocated to Tampa, adapting to a new city while Guentzel continues to prioritize family amid his career transitions.

Family hockey heritage

Jake Guentzel hails from a family deeply immersed in , with his father, Mike Guentzel, establishing a prominent coaching legacy that influenced the sport across collegiate and junior levels. Mike began his coaching tenure as an assistant at the from 1994 to 2008, where he worked under head coaches Doug Woog and , contributing to the program's development during a period that included multiple NCAA tournament appearances. He later served as of the USHL's from 2009 to 2010 before joining the as an assistant coach for the 2010–11 season. Mike returned to Minnesota as associate from 2011 to 2012, completing a 14-year association with the Gophers that spanned both stints. Guentzel's older brothers, Ryan and Gabe, also pursued competitive hockey paths, extending the family's involvement into professional play. Ryan played four seasons of college hockey at the University of Notre Dame from 2007 to 2011, where he contributed to the team's 2009 CCHA championship and appeared in 44 games during his senior year, recording 25 points. After college, Ryan competed professionally in Europe, including stints with EHC Klostersee in Germany's Oberliga during the 2011–12 season and Aalborg Pirates in Denmark in 2012. Gabe, a defenseman, spent one season in the USHL with the Sioux Falls Stampede in 2007–08 before playing four years at Colorado College from 2008 to 2012, where he led the team's defense in assists (22) and points (26) in his junior year and earned WCHA All-Second Team honors. Gabe transitioned to professional hockey, appearing in 52 AHL games split between the Syracuse Crunch (2011–12) and Norfolk Admirals (2012–13), followed by several seasons in Germany's DEL with the Augsburger Panther until 2018. The Guentzel household emphasized hockey from an early age, with all three brothers—Ryan, Gabe, and Jake—competing at high levels, from youth leagues to college and beyond, fostering a competitive environment that included regular family attendance at games and direct guidance from Mike. This familial dynamic played a key role in shaping Jake's motivation and , as Mike instilled daily habits and off-ice conditioning routines that emphasized perseverance and skill development. In recent years, the family's hockey pursuits have shifted toward and roles. Mike currently serves as a professional scout for the Utah Hockey Club, a position he has held since joining the organization (formerly the ) in 2018, leveraging his extensive experience to evaluate talent league-wide. Ryan has transitioned into , serving as an assistant at East in .

Career statistics

NHL seasons

Guentzel made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2016–17 season and has since accumulated a career regular season total of 618 games played, 276 goals, 312 assists, and 588 points as of the partial 2025–26 season. His performance has spanned three teams: the Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, and Tampa Bay Lightning, with notable contributions in both regular and postseason play. The following table summarizes Guentzel's NHL regular season statistics:
SeasonTeam(s)GPGAPTSPIM+/-
2016–17PIT40161733107
2017–18PIT8222264842-9
2018–19PIT824036762613
2019–20PIT392023431411
2020–21PIT56233457287
2021–22PIT764044844413
2022–23PIT78363773462
2023–24PIT/CAR673047772225
2024–25TBL804139802418
2025–26TBL18891741
Career Regular Season Totals: 618 GP, 276 G, 312 A, 588 PTS, 260 PIM, +88 +/- (as of November 18, 2025). The 2019–20 season was shortened to 39 games due to the . In 2023–24, Guentzel missed time after February due to an upper-body injury. Guentzel has appeared in 74 playoff games across eight postseason runs from 2016–17 to 2024–25, recording 41 goals, 32 assists, and 73 points with a +5 rating. A standout performance came in 2016–17, where he scored 13 goals in 25 games en route to a championship. The following table summarizes Guentzel's NHL playoff statistics:
SeasonTeamGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2016–17PIT2513821101
2017–18PIT12101121810
2018–19PIT41010-3
2019–20PIT412301
2020–21PIT61126-6
2021–22PIT7821021
2023–2411459164
2024–25TBL53366-3
Career Playoff Totals: 74 GP, 41 G, 32 A, 73 PTS, 48 PIM, +5 +/- (as of 2024–25). Prior to his full-time NHL role, Guentzel appeared in 11 regular season games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL during 2015–16, tallying 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points.

International competitions

Guentzel made his senior international debut with Team USA at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off after withdrawing from the roster due to an upper-body injury sustained in his final regular-season game with the , resulting in no games played or statistics recorded for that tournament. He had no prior junior or senior international experience. In the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, Guentzel appeared in all four games for Team USA, which advanced to the final but earned silver after a 3-2 overtime loss to . His statistics from the tournament are summarized below.
TournamentGPGAPTS+/-PIMSOG
0000———
2025 4 Nations Face-Off4314+2213
Career Total4314+2213
Statistics sourced from official NHL records.

Awards and honors

Team achievements

Guentzel contributed to the ' championship in 2017, marking the team's second consecutive title as he played a key role in their playoff run with 21 points in 25 games. In the 2023-24 season, following his trade to the in March 2024, Guentzel helped the team advance to the Eastern second round, where they were defeated by the in six games. Representing Team USA at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, Guentzel earned a as the United States reached the final but lost 3-2 in overtime to . He won a with Team USA at the 2015 IIHF World Under-20 Championship. During his college career at the , Guentzel was part of the Mavericks' 2015 Frozen Four semifinal appearance, their first in program history, where they fell 4-1 to . In junior hockey, Guentzel played for the in the 2012-13 USHL season, helping the team qualify for the , though they were eliminated in the Western Conference finals by the eventual champions, the .

Individual accolades

Guentzel's individual accolades span his junior, collegiate, and professional careers, highlighting his rapid rise as a prolific scorer and clutch performer. In the United States Hockey League (USHL), he earned recognition as a top rookie during the 2012–13 season with the . Junior level accolades
Guentzel was named to the USHL All-Rookie Team in 2013 after recording 29 goals and 73 points in 60 games, leading all rookies in scoring. He also received the USHL Rookie of the Year award for his performance, which included selection to the USHL Second All-Star Team and the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. Collegiate accolades
At the , Guentzel garnered honors in the (NCHC). As a in 2013–14, he was selected to the NCHC All-Rookie Team after leading all freshmen with 27 points in conference play. In his junior year of 2015–16, he earned a spot on the NCHC Second All-Star Team, finishing with career highs of 19 goals and 46 points while co-captaining the team to the Frozen Four. NHL accolades
In the National Hockey League, Guentzel's standout rookie playoff performance in 2017 positioned him as a leading candidate for the , the award for playoff MVP, after leading the postseason with 13 goals, including five game-winners, though ultimately won it. He was selected to the (event canceled due to ) and the as the Metropolitan Division's "Last Man In" via fan voting, where he scored a goal in the Metropolitan Division's 6-4 semifinal win over the Pacific Division. Guentzel has reached the 40-goal milestone three times in his career, achieving it in the 2018–19 (40 goals) and 2021–22 (40 goals) seasons with the , and the 2024–25 season (41 goals) with the , underscoring his elite goal-scoring ability. Team and other honors
During his tenure with the , Guentzel received multiple internal team awards, including the Michel Briere Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 2016–17 for his contributions in 40 games. He also earned the Bob Johnson Memorial "Badger Bob" Award and the A.T. Caggiano Award for his and performance. International accolades
At the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, Guentzel contributed three goals and four points for but did not receive any major individual awards, as the team settled for silver after a 3–2 overtime loss to in the final.

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