C Jake Guentzel (2013, 77th, PIT)

[NHL RankKing]

I figured Guentzel needed a bit of recognition

Guentzel had a fantastic year with U. of Nebraska-Omaha finishing with 35GP - 19G -27A -46Pts leading his team, and then leaving to sign with the Pens after his junior year.

I wasn't sure if his offensive skills would translate well to the pro game, but all signs are pointing to a positive trajectory.

They swept a solid Providence team in the first round of the AHL playoffs and he assisted on the Game #1 OT winner and scored the Game #3 2OT winner Sat. night (4 point night).
He has 7 points in his first 3 AHL playoff games.

Click to read more...

 

[Kasperi kapanen]

Yea he definetily needs more recognition. Amazing AHL start and one of the best college players. Very underrated.

 

[BIitz]

Wow he didn't even have his own thread till today? I remember thinking he was underrated coming out of the USHL. Looks like he's progressed wonderfully since.

 

[wej20]

Hoping for a strong rookie season in the AHL next year, 40 points and maybe a call up to the NHL if there are injuries.

 

[Sheriff66]

Love the kid game and one hell of a start to his pro career

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

How does he project? Middle six forward?

 

[Epic Neal Time]

Guentzel has had a fantastic preseason so far. No points, but has been creating a lot and has averaged around 17 mins per game. He also hasn't played with any of our three scoring centers. He looks to be getting an extended look at making the opening roster.

It's worth noting that the Penguins see him as a LW long-term, which only helps his chances because it's an organizational weakness. He gets a chance tomorrow night against Columbus, skating with Bonino and Kessel.

 

[BagHead]

As a fellow alumni of the same high school, I hope this kid makes it! I really wish the Wild had taken him, even though it would have been in the 2nd round. We picked 4 picks after he was taken and got Kurtis Gabriel with it instead, which only makes it sting all the worse.

 

[MichaelFarrell]

Realistically, there is only like one spot available at forward for the Penguins. It really is going to be a battle for the spot.

 

[North Country]

I've always liked his vision in the offensive zone and will do very well setting up his linemates when teamed with a good finisher. Also like his all around game but he would really benefit with adding a little more bulk to his frame. Could be a number 2 or 3 LW in the near future.

 

[chethejet]

His skill set is outstanding. He does need some bulk but not a lot. He competes very well and his ability in limited space is something. Correct he will mature and look for him to be a solid contributor next season.

 

[Empoleon8771]

Guentzel plays a lot like a center, but it's nice that he's capable of playing both center and LW pretty comfortably. His vision and 2-way play is a lot stronger than many other offensive prospects the Penguins have had in recent years. I feel like his upside is RNH who can also play LW, although it would be nice for him to get a better shot and add some size.

 

[Paulie Gualtieri]

Extremely likely that he sees action tonight. Played on a line with Geno and Phil at practice.

 

[Le Magnifique 66]

About time, well deserved. I hope MS keeps him and let's him play in the top 6 all night

 

[izzy]

Surprised it took this long, he's been a beast in the AHL.

 

[Empoleon8771]

Scored on his first shot in his first shift. Guentzel-Malkin-Kessel looks like a keeper line already.

 

[Bonin21]

Crazy

 

[izzy]

That was quick

 

[Bonin21]

And #2

 

[izzy]

Oh my goodness...

 

[Foppberg]

Their next Sheary?

 

[7even]

The reaction from his parents was Hall of Fame worthy lol. Hope he's got two more!

 

[Big McLargehuge]

The only thing better than scoring on your first shot on your first shift of your first game is to have your family in the crowd watching.

Legendary reactions in the crowd.

Their next Sheary?

Guentzel's upside is much higher. Jaden Schwartz has been the best comparison I've seen (best case scenario, but they play the game very similarly).

edit:

 

[Foppberg]

Guentzel's upside is much higher. Jaden Schwartz has been the best comparison I've seen.

Damn, had no idea he was so highly touted. Pens seem to have figured out their drafting after years of not much.

 

[Big McLargehuge]

Damn, had no idea he was so highly touted. Pens seem to have figured out their drafting after years of not much.

Key word is comparison, Schwartz would be Guentzel's best case scenario, but Guentzel's game is extremely similar to Schwartz's. To this point he has developed as well as we could have hoped as he was always a boom or bust prospect.

I've always been high on the kid, but he's adapted to the pro game far better than I expected. Having multiple goals tonight means he's now over a PPG as a pro (39 points in 38 games between the AHL, AHL playoffs, and now 1 NHL game).

Also worth noting that upside has never been an argument that has favored Sheary too often, he's your classic overachiever.