In a recent statement, Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas shared that forward Jake Guentzel could become a trade asset as the team approaches the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. The Penguins currently sit eight points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference with eight games remaining before the March 8 deadline.

Guentzel, who is on long-term injured reserve due to an upper-body injury, has accrued an impressive 52 points this season in 50 games, making him a valuable contributor to the team's offense alongside linemate Sidney Crosby. Dubas highlighted the team's need to balance veteran experience with younger talent, considering the Penguins' lineup's average age of 30.8, the oldest in the league.

Despite the possibility of moving Guentzel, Dubas expressed confidence that the team will not undergo a full rebuild as long as key players like Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson remain. Coach Mike Sullivan is also expected to continue leading the team beyond this season, emphasizing his role in both winning games and developing players.

After a recent string of losses, including five defeats in their last six games, the Penguins are intensifying their focus on securing a playoff spot and making a push for the Stanley Cup. Players like Bryan Rust, who won the Cup with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017, are rallying the team to maintain belief in their abilities and stay determined in the face of challenges.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Penguins are navigating a delicate balance between short-term success and long-term roster planning, with Guentzel's potential availability looming as a crucial factor in their playoff aspirations.