Golden Knights Trade Candidate Report: Jake Guentzel

There's perhaps no bigger fish in the NHL trade pond right now than Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jake Guentzel. Numerous teams have contacted the Penguins about acquiring the winger, including the Vegas Golden Knights. A team needing forward depth will pay a hefty price, though.

Still, that's with good reason. Jake Guentzel has 22 goals and 30 assists in 50 games this season. He's also 29 years old, making him a valuable trade piece compared to the older players on the market.

With the Vegas Golden Knights 2-6-1 in their last nine, there's an incentive to get a player of this caliber. That's especially true with Jack Eichel's imminent return, bolstering the team at the forward position. But what would a Jake Guentzel trade look like? Where will Bruce Cassidy slot the Omaha native?

1. Jake Guentzel's Scouting Report

The big thing that comes to mind regarding Jake Guentzel is his hockey IQ. He's able to pick apart opposing defenses with ease, finding holes to either score or set up solid scoring opportunities. That's what makes him an incredible trade candidate and what the Vegas Golden Knights desperately need.

Guentzel is also one of the quicker forwards in the NHL. His evasiveness makes him an offensive threat, being able to skate past opposing defenders with ease. In a sense, he's like Frank Vatrano, only faster and plays bigger than his actual size.

Speaking of size, that's the biggest issue with the 29-year-old. He's only 5'11" and weighs 180 lbs., making him a target among defenders. That's part of why he's dealt with injuries in the past, with his upper-body injury on Valentine's Day being the most recent notch. Still, Jake Guentzel's ceiling is a top-line star, where he can complement Jack Eichel easily.

2. Who Else Wants Jake Guentzel?

Jake Guentzel is drawing a ton of eyeballs in the trade market. Aside from the Vegas Golden Knights, the Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, and Edmonton Oilers have also expressed interest.

While Guentzel might be the hottest commodity on the trade market, the price will be substantial. There will likely be a first-round pick and top prospects involved, given Guentzel's age and talent. However, some teams might not be willing to take on the injury issues, making the market a bit more complicated.