BREAKING: STAR FORWARD JAKE GUENTZEL OFFICIALLY SIGNS WITH VANCOUVER CANUCKS IN BLOCKBUSTER FREE AGENCY MOVE….READ MORE…..

In one of the most thrilling moves of the NHL offseason, Jake Guentzel, the elite winger and former Stanley Cup champion, has officially signed with the Vancouver Canucks, bringing his scoring prowess and postseason experience to a team looking to take the next big step in the Western Conference.

Guentzel, 29, agreed to a multi-year deal with Vancouver on Sunday morning, immediately injecting star power and championship pedigree into the Canucks’ top-six forward group. The signing is expected to reshape the team’s offensive identity, providing head coach Rick Tocchet with another dynamic weapon to slot alongside franchise center Elias Pettersson or veteran leader J.T. Miller.

The deal comes after weeks of speculation surrounding Guentzel’s free agency, with multiple teams reportedly in the mix, including the Carolina Hurricanes (his most recent team), the Chicago Blackhawks, and the New York Rangers. But in the end, it was Vancouver that emerged victorious, offering a mix of competitive ambition, team culture, and financial commitment that sealed the deal.

“Jake is the kind of player who makes everyone around him better,” said Canucks GM Patrik Allvin during a press conference held just after the announcement. “He’s a proven playoff performer, a consistent scorer, and a competitor who fits exactly what we’re building here in Vancouver.”

Last season, Guentzel split time between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes, tallying a combined 30 goals and 47 assists for 77 points in 67 games. He was a standout during Carolina’s playoff run, finishing with 9 points in 11 games and showcasing his trademark quick release, playmaking vision, and high hockey IQ.

Originally drafted in the third round by Pittsburgh in 2013, Guentzel rose to prominence during the 2016–17 season, when he helped lead the Penguins to a Stanley Cup title, scoring 13 goals in 25 playoff games. Since then, he has cemented himself as one of the NHL’s most dangerous wingers, averaging nearly a point per game across multiple seasons.

For Vancouver, this signing represents a clear statement of intent. After making strides last season by reaching the second round of the playoffs, the Canucks are now pushing for deeper postseason success. Guentzel’s arrival gives the team a lethal top-line combination, potentially forming a trio with Pettersson and Andrei Kuzmenko or revitalizing the second line with Miller and Brock Boeser.

“I’m excited to join a team that’s hungry to win and has a passionate fanbase like Vancouver,” Guentzel said in a statement. “From the first conversation, it felt like the right fit for me and my family. I can’t wait to get started.”

Canucks fans, already buzzing with optimism, now have even more reason to believe that their team is turning a corner. With Guentzel in the fold, Vancouver not only adds a game-changer but also sends a message to the rest of the league: the Canucks are done rebuilding — they’re ready to contend.

The full details of the contract are expected to be released soon, but early reports suggest a five-year deal worth approximately $45 million. Regardless of the numbers, one thing is clear — Vancouver just landed one of the most coveted players of the offseason.