New Jersey Devils: 5 Pittsburgh Penguins To Target After Their Sweep

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 13: Kris Letang #58,Phil Kessel #81,Sidney Crosby #87 and Brian Dumoulin #8 of the Pittsburgh Penguins talk during a stop in play in the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on November 13, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

2 of 5

(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Jake Guentzel

This one would cost the New Jersey Devils much more than Kessel in a trade, but they’d be getting what they paid for. Kessel is 31 years old, but Guentzel is still just 24 years old. He’s playing with Sidney Crosby, which definitely helps his point total. He made a major jump this season and scored 40 goals. Again, this kid is just 24 years old.

33 of his goals came at even strength. Again, this kid knows where to go and when. Sure, he’s helped by playing with Crosby, but how about we pair him with Crosby-lite in incoming rookie Jack Hughes? He knows how to get into space and open for the perfect pass. That’s exactly what Hughes will need in his first season and beyond.

This would allow the line of Palmieri, Hall and Hischier to stay together, and makes a formidable second line.

Guentzel will cost a pretty price from the Devils. It could be something like two 2nd-round picks, and a top prospect. Were not talking about Jesper Boqvist or Ty Smith, but maybe Michael McLeod or Nathan Bastian. Another team might be willing to give up a late 1st-round pick, but giving up two seconds plus a larger package might be enough.

Home/Editorials