It was a crazy Saturday for the Tampa Bay Lightning, as they traded Mikhail Sergachev and Tanner Jeannot. Now, they have made another major move, acquiring Jake Guentzel’s signing rights from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick.
The Lightning have been heavily linked to Guentzel over the last few days. After they moved both Sergachev and Jeannot, chatter around their interest in Guentzel only intensified. Now, they have taken a big step in trying to sign the pending UFA before he hits the market at noon on July 1.
With this move, the Lightning now have control of Guentzel’s signing rights until tomorrow.
If the Lightning successfully sign Guentzel, he would give their top six a massive boost, as he is a star winger. In 67 games this past season, he posted 30 goals, 77 points, and a plus-25 rating.
Related: Lightning Trade Tanner Jeannot to Kings
Related: Lightning & Utah Complete Mikhail Sergachev Blockbuster