DavidEng

Grok AI: No, there are no credible reports that the Carolina Hurricanes offered Jake Guentzel the same contract terms as Tampa Bay (7 years, $63 million total, $9 million AAV) before he signed with the Lightning. Reliable sources, including The Athletic, consistently reported that Carolina’s offer during negotiations was an eight-year deal worth $64 million ($8 million AAV). Guentzel did not accept it promptly, leading the Hurricanes to trade his negotiating rights to Tampa Bay on June 30, 2024, for a 2025 third-round pick. He then quickly signed the 7x$9M deal with the Lightning on July 1, 2024. Guentzel himself later reflected (in 2025 interviews) that staying in Carolina was his initial preference, but negotiations stalled and “didn’t work out,” with Tampa’s opportunity becoming a “no-brainer.” No reports from outlets like ESPN, NHL.com, or insiders (e.g., Elliotte Friedman, Pierre LeBrun, Frank Seravalli) indicate Carolina ever matched or offered the Lightning’s exact terms—total money, AAV, or length. The extra year was Carolina’s key advantage, but they reportedly stuck closer to $8M AAV and moved on when Guentzel explored options.

He wanted to go to Tampa Bay according to some sources. I saw an interview with him where imho he heged and reading between the lines I sensed he was ready to leave. I don’t say “absolutely” though lol.

If they haven’t learned their lesson with those two then they never will. Basically expensive rentals who don’t want to be here and the team suffers for it.

Audio, post game interviews https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/vorssthzfznmhulqtln4a/AIt4DvM0phA3cgy5bkrCm50?e=2&noscript=1&rlkey=110x19o9te4pk4fd8zk3y9dw8&st=27e9gb94&dl=0

Buss Stop wins it woooo!!!

Buss Stop!

Jarvy is a shootout man!

Stank!!!

Hopefully the rest of the PP is a hella lot better than that effort.

I tell ya if Bussi wasn’t in net Caps would be up a goal already.

The reason Bussi is in net tonight- Rod wants to keep his job. lol

Blake

Yes! Gonna be a tough game, Caps are on an 8-1-1 win streak. Need Buss Stop in the crease for sure.

And Freddie is in there as well! Bussi and Freddie are among three goalies in the last 12 years to score 9 wins in their first 10 NHL games.

Staal has really cranked it up this year, Marty Party scores an empty netter, and Svech and Jarvy did Svech and Jarvy things. And Buss Stop? Well ….