Locked On Penguins - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Penguins - Will Jake Guentzel get extended this summer?

Starting point is 00:00:00 Hello there. Happy Thursday. Well, happy Friday now, April 28. This is supposed to be the Thursday episode, but you will be listening to it on Friday. They'll have another episode for my regular Friday edition of the show. It's supposed to be a little earlier in the day on Thursday, but I had to stay a little late for work with the NFL draft. So that took a lot of my time. But we're still here with another episode of Lockton Payments podcast. We have Jake Gensel's Season Review to go over in the first segment, followed by a little bit of a mail. Some mailbag questions, some really good questions. known in there. And then we'll end the show with a little of talk about the stand-up playoffs, plus maybe a little more mock GM off season. If I don't get to that for this episode, definitely I'll get to what I would do on Friday and then probably in the next week as well. So stick around for all that coming up right after this drop. You're Locked-on Penguins. Your daily podcast on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Part of the Locked-on Podcast Network. Your team every day. Hello, welcome back to another edition of the Lockdown Penguins podcast.

Starting point is 00:01:16 I am your host Hunter Hodes, murder following on Twitter on Twitter, Hunter Hodes, follow the shows Twitter at Enlarcer Penguins. And of course, thank you all so much for making this. Your first list in the day. We're freeing available on all platforms. Another great night, it sounded like a playoff hockey, the NFL draft.

Starting point is 00:01:30 Kicked off tonight. The Pittsburgh Steelers made a really nice selection with Broderick Jones from Georgia. For more on that, please go follow Chris Carter of Lockdown's dealers. He does such a great job with the draft in this deal. And I don't see anything. with this dealers. He is awesome. And he's just a nice guy in generally. I have a pleasure meeting him in person once or twice. Please go follow his show, subscribe to it on YouTube.

Starting point is 00:01:52 Follow an apple and Spotify, if you know already. He is tremendous. Now, jumping into our first topic for today, continuing our season reviews with B1 and the only Jake freaking Gensel this season. You know, if you want to call it a down year, sure, 36 goals, 73 points in 78 games. Only 11 power play goals, a little bit down compared to last year, but his shooting percentage was right on par with where it normally is. He shot 14.8% this year. This grew shooting percentage is 15.7, so I guess a little bit down, but still, it's kind of right in on the line with his grew average. You know, last year had 40 goals, 84 points in 76 games. So a little bit below that this year, I did predict for him to score 50. I will take a little bit of an L on that.

Starting point is 00:02:41 But, you know, he still had a pretty good season. You know, did he go, you know, quite a few games without goals? You know, yes, there's that stretch in January where he went, you know, five or six games without a goal. And then there's another stretch, you know, another stretch, I should say, I mean, January, he only went, you know, had three goals and, you know, 13, 14 games as I'm looking at it right now. you know, definitely did struggle at times this season, but he was still consistent at the end. 73.78 games is still very good production. Again, it's not what I thought it was going to be. I thought he was going to have 50, maybe have, you know, 40 assists.

Starting point is 00:03:21 This is going to come close to 90 points or something this season. But at the end of the day, I still think this is mostly a pretty successful season for Jake. I think everyone just thought he was going to score 50. And when he didn't, it was like, oh, it's just a bad season when in reality, you know, 35, 36 goals, that's still pretty good in the league. And still 73 points is also good production for a top line. So I'm fine with the season that he had. His shooting percentage was good.

Starting point is 00:03:48 His 5-on-5 goals per 60 didn't really change that much. His expected goals also didn't really change. You know, I have the numbers in summary, but not from natural statuary. When he was on the ice, the Penguins had 53.5% of the shot of Thames. That's in line with his numbers from last year. Better than the year before that. His highest number came back in 2020 at 50%. 15%. Penguins also had 54% of the actual goals for a little step down from last season when the Penguins had almost 58% of the actual goals for, but still good.

Starting point is 00:04:16 68% of the expected goals the Penguins had when he was on the ice up from 60% compared to the season before that. And then Penguins, when he was on ice, the Penguins at 56.3% of the high danger chances that is the highest it has been since 2019-20. And then 37 high-danger goals for with Gensel on the ice, 26 high-danger goals against. So again, all in all, you know, very good underlines. Still a very strong season. It's good production at 5-1-5. If there's one thing to nitpick a little bit, I guess I would say it was the powerplay goals. Only 11 of his 36 came on the power play.

Starting point is 00:04:56 And it's good that he had 25-5-on-5 goals. You don't really want to be known, you know, when you're one of the best. I don't want to ask you. You don't want the power play to just be your red. butter or even just one thing i should say so i want you know i want him to factor in more on the power play next season he did have it does look like here 23 um power play points in tors of 73 points um came on the power play so 50 even strength points that that is still very good he had over 400 points this season congratulations to him he'll come close to hitting 500 next season

Starting point is 00:05:32 he'll actually have a shot at potentially hitting a thousand points by the time screws over with how he's trending right now. This is a big offseason for him. One more you have left on that contract. He is due for a massive raise-ins, like six million right now. Penguins, I'll say this, they have a decision to make here. I honestly think you can see the decision come this off-season. I haven't touched on it enough, but, you know, people have, you know, speculated about trade rumors involving him. I wouldn't shop him. if someone came calling, I would listen, like, say, oh, hey, like, you know, what do you have to offer? Just, you know, for, you know, craps and gags, you know.

Starting point is 00:06:15 And if it's something bad, you say, you know, I'm hanging up, he's a 50 goal. He's almost a 50 goal score. I'm not going to do that. But if it's something intriguing, you're like, okay, maybe that could lead somewhere. You get, like, a really good haul in return. Again, I think that's probably more on the unlikely side. I would personally keep him. But, you know, if someone came calling me regarding a potential trade against him, I wouldn't

Starting point is 00:06:35 hang on i would just see what they have to offer most likely it's not going to be equal value for him and and you know that's how i would approach that um but i also do think you could you could see some um some contract extension talks with jake whoever comes in here with the new management group though he is going to command a high ticket just go back through these these seasons that he's had since 2016 17 16 goals 33 points 22 goals 48 points 40 goals he's in 20 goals he's in 20 goals 23 40 goals 36 he scored 30 plus goals in you know three out of his seven seasons almost half those kind of goal scores do not come cheap in the in the NHL they don't would you all be surprised if Jake asked for eight million per on his next deal I wouldn't like seven times eight something

Starting point is 00:07:32 like that. Honestly, I would consider giving that to Jake. I think he deserves it. He's one of the best goal scores in this league. I think when he's in his prime, he's one of the five best goals scores on the planet. And I will continue to die on that hill. I guess, again, if you want to call it a little bit of a down year for him, sure.

Starting point is 00:07:54 But I still think overall, you know, 35, 36 goals is 35, 36 goals. 73 points is 73 points. So I know I keep saying 35, 36. It is 36. What the hell I'm talking about? 36 goals, still 36 goals. 73 points is still 73 points. Yeah.

Starting point is 00:08:13 Penguins have a real big decision to make on him this long season. Maybe they punt the contract talks to next off season after the season ends, assuming he's on the team, which I think he will be if I had to guess. But that's the next big contract coming up here. You have the core locked up. Sid will obviously, you know, he has two more years. on his deal that will be after the Jake extension but you worry about one thing at a time he in terms of signing a player to an extension during the off season he is the big priority and no i think they're

Starting point is 00:08:46 going to think long and hard about giving him an extension because he has been everything has advertised since coming up for books or honestly everything and more because i don't think anyone saw him being this freaking good after coming up from wokespeare but um be really curious about the expectations for next year if he's here. I expect 40, 45 goals. Maybe that could be a bit much, but he scored 40 twice already in his career. I think he can definitely do it again next season. Maybe I'll predict 50 again, fool me once. Shame on you.

Starting point is 00:09:17 Fole me twice, shame on me. But I think you're going to see a big year from Jake Gensel, and I think you're going to see him produce a bit more on the power play as well. So let me know. Would you potentially sign Jake to an extension this all of season? Let me know in the other comments. or would you maybe entertain a trade offer for Jake if someone came calling with a really good offer? Again, I would listen.

Starting point is 00:09:40 Would I do it, though? Probably not. Unless you get a really good return. But let me know your thoughts on that. Let me know what you think on a Jake extension as well, plus your expectations for him next season. So that will wrap up. This first segment of this show coming up in the second side, we're going to get to your mailbag questions. We're going to get into all of that.

Starting point is 00:10:00 But before we get into it, we do have to discuss if this wants to load here. Wonderful. I'm guessing my inner. Well, this is what happens when I think I have Jedi Survivor downloading at the same time. I'm recording, yes, I am very psyched for this game. But before we get into our next segment, we do have to discuss Bill Pard. If you're looking for a delicious snack but don't want all the sugar and calories, then you need the best tasting protein bar ever.

Starting point is 00:10:27 And that's Bill. You have to try this. If you're like me and you want to get healthier and make better snack choices, but you don't want to compromise on taste, I've got just a thing for you. Build bars and Bill puffs. Built bars are healthy and they taste amazing. Seriously, they taste so amazing. You won't think they're good for you.

Starting point is 00:10:43 And again, you have to try this. You're probably wondering what makes them so good. Well, for starters, they're all covered in 100% real chocolate, and that's right. Real chocolate and they come in great flavors like chiro, peanut bread, brownie, and cookies and cream. And now you don't even need to wait. For years, we've been talking about ordering bill bars at Billed But now you can get them at your local Walmart or Sam's Club while you can still get your specialty flavors still at build.com.

Starting point is 00:11:05 That's right. Head you nearest Walmart today or your Sam's Club. Walk to the pharmacy section. Grab yourself a box of bill bars and go get cookies and cream, double chocolate or coconut puff. You can thank me later when it comes to that. All right. I'm back here on this episode of a Blockdown Penguins podcast.

Starting point is 00:11:24 I am your host, Hunter Hodes. I'm going to follow me on Twitter at Hunter Hodes. Follow the shows Twitter at Alastair Penguins. And of course, thank you all so much for making this. your first listen of the day. So let's get into our mailbag questions here, a couple, some really good ones I should say here that we got, a few, but they're still good. Yen's Shop Yens, who of course is Taylor, he does a great, you know, if you don't have any of his shirts, you need to go buy one. You know, you can follow the account at Shop Yins, S-H-H-E-S-H-E.

Starting point is 00:12:01 O-P-Y-I-N-Z. He does a great job. Trust me, you want to buy one of his shirts or one of his hats. He goes, tell us what team you think is the biggest rival, and if different, what team do you dislike the most? Okay. Biggest rival. That's a good question.

Starting point is 00:12:21 It honestly, it varies. I don't think, you know, I think deep down, it will always be the flyers of the Penguins' biggest rival, but in terms of the biggest rivalry right now, it's probably not the biggest rivalry. I would go... the Rangers right now. There's just a, it's just nasty.

Starting point is 00:12:37 Whenever those two teams play, the fan bases eat each other alive. Washington, the Capitals will always be up there too. You know, they play some very mean-spirited games against each other. The fan bases also don't like each other. But right now, if you're ranking which rivalry is the best, I would say Rangers follow by the Caps. And then maybe I have the Flyers. You know, a lot of these rivalries coming, though.

Starting point is 00:12:58 Like, for example, 2012, when that Flyers Penguins series, with at its height, you know, there's going to be a time where I think the rivalry gets close to that. Again, the Capitals, it's gone down a little bit in the last couple of years, but they're still up there. And then the Rangers, after being a little dormant for a lot of years, it's really ratcheted up these last couple of years. So right now, I would say the Rangers are their biggest, it's the biggest rival right now. But deep down, I think in most fans' hearts, it'll probably be the Flyers. In terms of team, I dislike the most, you know, I'll say that. when I was a kid hated the flyers.

Starting point is 00:13:36 I was a menace during that series against them in 2012. I probably said some stuff back then that was pretty bad. I'll say that. I think my whole family did, to be honest. I think a whole lot of people out there said some stuff that was bad. That was a nasty rivalry. I hated them as a kid. Right now, if I guess I had to say, I guess if I dislike the team, it's the Rangers more.

Starting point is 00:14:09 But, you know, back when I was a kid, when I was, you know, obviously I cover the team now. But who, I hated the Flyers as a kid. Hated them. And I'm sure I'll, you know, I'll carry a little bit of that for the rest of my life. Alan T. O'Darrest, why didn't Florida, we have to have, we have to have, we have to have the annual Flurry question come into our mailback. Why didn't Ron Hectorall try to bring Flurry back since Sleaf fits his old guy's thing he was going for?

Starting point is 00:14:39 That's a good question. Would you be? So the first thing, that is funny, Alan. I will say that. It definitely fit his M.O. I think it was probably because the while in the playoff race and they just didn't want to give up on him, even though Philip Guston was taking over the net. You know, a lot of times in the playoffs, you need two goalies to succeed.

Starting point is 00:14:57 You're seeing that right now. in New Jersey, Carolina might go to Frederick Anderson. The Panthers have started lying in Brodowski. Those are just a few off the top of my head. Boston has Allmark and Swam and they've started Allmark for most of their games. You still need two competent goalies. So I don't think that's why they dealt him in it. And then he asked, would you be okay with Flory and Jari being the goalies if they split the time 50-50, maybe 55-45?

Starting point is 00:15:19 Honestly, Alan, no. I don't really want Mark Andre Flurry back here next season. I think him and Jari, that's just a weird tandem. Florey did not really have a good year this season. you saw him play a little rough in the playoffs. He's just a little too old for my liking now. Obviously, I know everyone wants him to come back here, you know, have that, you know, walking off into that sunset moment. I know, I get it.

Starting point is 00:15:43 But I just don't think it makes sense for the team right now. I think you've got to go younger and goal. You got to go for someone who has better numbers. You know, I know, I know Flory wouldn't cost you too much right now, but I still think you got to go for someone who's better numbers and who's a bit younger. And I think if you get older there and you have Jari there, I'm just not really fan of that. And also, I think it's just awkward for Jari. You know, I know that may sound weird to some people, but, you know, anytime Jari starts and it gives up a goal, can you guess how many Flory Jans are going to be coming in?

Starting point is 00:16:11 A whole lot. A lot. Trust me. And then Jess Penguins asked, how many goals were Troy Terry got in line with Sid and Jake next season? I would be, you know, I would guess if Troy Terry came here, I would guess at least 20. I mean, Brian Russ had 20 this season. That was kind of a down year for him. I expect him to be a bit better next season.

Starting point is 00:16:32 But I would think Terry would light it up here. I would go at least 20. He's been a sensation for the Ducks over these last couple of seasons. I don't think enough people have actually realized, you know, just how good Troy Terry has been on a really, and I mean a really bad Ducks team. I'm going to pull up the numbers here for you all. You know, just this season.

Starting point is 00:16:57 23 goals, 61 points in 70 games. That's all one of the worst teams in league. Before that, 37 goals, 67 points in 75 games. Wow. You know, around you, this was a fifth round pick in the 2015 NHL draft. Before these last two seasons, he had a grand toll of 15 goals in three combined seasons. Yep. He came out of nowhere, but no, he would have at least 20.

Starting point is 00:17:27 I would honestly go 25 to 30, Jeff. I think he would be a great fit with Sid and Jagan. Then if you want, you can bump Raquel down or something like that. And he goes, and why will Hannathan be the perfect pairing for Latang? That would be such a slam dunk, man. I mean, I like, obviously, what Brian Duhlin brought to the table when he was in his prime, but he was never that good of an offensive defenseman. Hanathan, you get the full freaking package.

Starting point is 00:17:53 You get someone who can defend well in his own zone who can cover up for some of La Tang's mistakes, and you get someone who can push the pace of the play, up the ice, has a great first pass out of the zone, can also, you know, move the puck out of the zone, beautiful zone entries, great shot, great vision in the offensive zone. He is a do-it-all defenseman on the left side. He would be awesome for Latang. Perfect trade partner right there in the flames, one year left on his contract. Penguins will be able to afford it.

Starting point is 00:18:23 I don't think he's going to cost two too much. it'll probably cost you a decent amount. But I think the penguins, they should definitely, I think they could definitely make that work. He is a slam dunk in some years. You can play him on the, you put him on the second paraplegal unit,

Starting point is 00:18:38 you put him on your P-a-K. He can play in any situation you ask of him. That is one of my main targets. Also, I'll say I've heard a couple of whispers that Mike Sullivan really likes Ryan Graves, and we can see the penguins going after him in free agency for a left shot D. Wouldn't be surprised at that.

Starting point is 00:18:55 I think he would be a really good idea. edition, Demetra Orlov, as I talked about, on my Wednesday edition of the show. They will have their options in terms of last shot D for next season. And then Skama Gregorz, hey, Hunter, I love the show and the love the content you provide on the Penguins. First off, really appreciate that. He goes, I love to know who impressed you this season on the Penguins, and do you see that player returning to the team come next season?

Starting point is 00:19:19 Okay. Wow. Who impressed me? It's a good question. You know, I think a lot of players. Ricard Raquel obviously was outstanding he exceeded my expectations for the season, had almost 30 goals. I obviously I expect him to be back.

Starting point is 00:19:35 Jason Zucker, you know, he actually dumped my expectations. I said 25 to 30 goals. He did. TBD on whether he returns, though if I had to guess right now, I will say he returns. Just a hunch. Just a hunch right now. I will also say Drew O'Connor really impressed me this season. Just remember a couple seasons ago when he kind of looked like,

Starting point is 00:19:57 a borderline HL player up here. You know, he's developed really nicely for the Penguins. And I really liked his fit in the bottom six. I think if there's at least only,

Starting point is 00:20:07 if there's one player from this year's bottom six to bring back for next season, it's true Connor. I do expect him to be here on for next season. But those are the ones that, you know,

Starting point is 00:20:15 really stood out to me has actually impressed me. Obviously, the other core guys, you know, they impress me as always. But those are the three that really jump out at me.

Starting point is 00:20:23 One thing about who impressed me. And also I will say Marcus Patterson. Shout out to him. Best season of his career, bar not it's a shame that we couldn't see him play in the playoffs. He took his offense to another level, and his defensive work was also outstanding. And he will be back next season. There's no way he won't be unless the new GM is just Galaxy Rainers himself. But really appreciate those mailback questions that you all sent in.

Starting point is 00:20:49 Coming up to end the show, we're going to touch on the Stanley Cup playoffs. So updates from the Thursday night games and why the Maple Leafs curse. lives on at least for now, but, you know, we got to see what happens with that, people. Oh, they love to torture their fans. But before we get into that, we get to touch on eBay Motors. For championship team, it's all about making sure every player is a perfect fit. It's the same when it comes to your vehicle. Every part needs to fit just right.

Starting point is 00:21:16 So the next time you need parts and accessories, head to eBay Motors. With eBay guaranteed fit, you can be sure every part you need fits right the first time out. Just add your ride to my garage and look for the green check to know that part fit or you can get your money back because just like in sports confidence is the name in the game when you shop on eBay Motors and with over 122 million parts to choose them, you'll be back in the game in no time. After all, it's easy to bring home a win when the right parts are guaranteed, get the right parts, the right fit, and the right prices on eBay Motors.com, let's ride. eBay guarantee fit only available to U.S. customers, eligible items only, exclusions apply.

Starting point is 00:21:54 All right, I'm back here on this episode of the Lockdown Payments Podcast. I am your host, Hunter Hodes. You know to follow me on Twitter. Hunter Hodes. Follow the shows Twitter. I'm going to

Starting point is 00:22:01 all so much for making this your first list in the day. I'm recording this as the Jets are pulling that we're going with eight minutes to go. It looks like we are

Starting point is 00:22:09 finally going to get someone's response is great. We're finally going to get our first team to be eliminated from the playoffs. The Vegas Golden Knights are going to advance to the second round.

Starting point is 00:22:19 Congratulations to them. Better team in this series by far. Winnipeg gave them a little bit of a fight in a couple of games, but the Knights are too good. A Knights Euler series sounds like a lot of fun, doesn't it? That would be some good hockey.

Starting point is 00:22:33 Stones back. Degas can defend. Their goalie is good. I think that would be a really fun series between those two teams. We get it. The Rangers got absolutely embarrassed by the Devils. And what a comeback it's been by the Devils. I am stunned.

Starting point is 00:22:49 When they went down, O2, I'm like, this is like Penguin Senators 2007. But the Devils woke up. You know, they were looking like frauds. but they said, you know what? That's not us. And they have kicked the Rangers butts. Three games in a row. Game three was close.

Starting point is 00:23:05 That game went to overtime. The Rangers, I thought, played decently well in that game. But these last two especially, the Rangers have gotten their butts whooped. And I'll say this. I think the Rangers can be looking at a coaching change if they lose this series on Saturday. If they lose this series in any of these next two games,

Starting point is 00:23:23 I think they might be looking at coaching change. I think the fans are kind of, kind of done with Gerard Galant. You know, you blow four out of five to a young devil's team that hadn't been in the playoffs since 2018. That's their lone playoff appearance since 2012. So you have to go to go to no and you look dominant like that. I don't know how Chris Surrey and some of the Rangers decision makers are going to

Starting point is 00:23:42 really like that because the Rangers had high expectations going to the playoffs. You have the goalie. You have the top six. The depth is pretty good. You have Adam Fox on your back end. Keanuary Miller is playing decently well too. you know, you should not be playing like this. Even though the devils are good, and they are, they are really impressive.

Starting point is 00:24:01 You shouldn't be putting two straight garbage efforts out there like that with, you know, basically your season on the line. But game six Saturday and Matt Madison Square Garden, that should be a fun one to watch. Toronto, was the curse going to be broken? No. You all know. This is 2023. Of course the Leafs are not going to make it easy on themselves.

Starting point is 00:24:21 They lose 4 to 2. They're out three games to 2. going back to Tampa Bay. Oh, does this end with a game seven back in Toronto yet again? I think you all know might be answered. I think you all know the answer to that question. Oh, they just love to torture their fans. I don't know how, I don't know how they do it.

Starting point is 00:24:43 But that should also be a fun game. You know, Lightning played well tonight. They're back to over against the wall of Aselvsky. He had his best game of the series by far. So, now I'll be one. to look forward to. Then again, Vegas is about to win their series. We'll have to see if Dallas can take out Minnesota in St. Paul. Dallas had that very dominant win in Game 5. Carolina will look to be the Islanders on Long Island this weekend.

Starting point is 00:25:13 It might be starting Frederick Anderson. It looks like as well. So that's kind of interesting. You know, I think they just don't want to play on Tehranza too much. So, I mean, I guess I understand it a little bit. but so kind of weird um but you know this is this has been fun you know every series outside of Vegas Winnipeg is going six games at least and i believe i heard that stat tonight from um brend i think it was steve levy that had on espan two during the rangers devil's game i think he said this is only the fifth time that we've seen seven out of the eight series go six or more games in the first round that's crazy to think about. You know, these series have been very competitive. This is one of the best worst

Starting point is 00:25:56 rounds I've ever had the privilege of watching. Actually, it's a lot of good hockey every night. And hey, you know, it obviously sucks to the penguins are playing. It's weird for you. It's weird for me. But damn, if I'm not having fun watching it, I hope you all are too. Trust me, tune into these games. It is a lot of fun. I love talking about them on the show. I know, I know it's not penguin-centric stuff, but I love following the league as a whole. I like staying up to date and refreshed on the players and the teams and all that so I can give you the best analysis that I can, you know, whenever the Penguins play these teams during each season. So it's a lot of fun.

Starting point is 00:26:31 But that does it to end this episode of the Lockdown Penguins podcast. I'll be back in a few hours after you listen to this one with a full Friday edition of the show. So think of this one as a late Thursday night into Friday one, and then the next one will be the true Friday edition of the show. So again, thank you so much for listening slash watching. I really appreciate it. with another episode for you all in just a few hours. Talk to you that.

Locked On Penguins - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Penguins - Will Jake Guentzel get extended this summer?

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.