Blockbuster Deal: Red Wings Sign Penguins Star to $92 Million Contract in Franchise-Altering Move…see more…
In one of the most seismic moves of the NHL offseason, the Detroit Red Wings have officially signed Pittsburgh Penguins star winger Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $92 million contract, sending shockwaves across the hockey world and signaling a new era in Hockeytown.
The contract, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $13.14 million, not only makes Guentzel the highest-paid player in Red Wings history but also represents a bold statement of intent from general manager Steve Yzerman, who has been methodically building Detroit into a legitimate playoff contender.
Guentzel Comes to Hockeytown
Guentzel, 30, had been one of the most sought-after free agents this summer after a strong season split between the Penguins and Hurricanes, tallying 73 points (30 goals, 43 assists) in 78 games. Known for his elite hockey IQ, lethal finishing ability, and versatility on the wing, Guentzel brings much-needed scoring punch and veteran leadership to a young Red Wings core that is on the cusp of contention.
“Jake is the type of player who makes everyone around him better,” Yzerman said in a press conference Tuesday evening. “His playoff pedigree, scoring ability, and professionalism are exactly what we need as we take the next step as a franchise.”
Guentzel was equally enthusiastic about joining the Red Wings, calling it a “dream fit” for both hockey and family reasons.
“From the moment free agency opened, Detroit was on my radar,” Guentzel said. “The organization’s vision, the fan base, the young talent—it all aligns with where I’m at in my career. I want to win, and I believe we can do that here.”
A Franchise in Forward Motion
The Red Wings, who narrowly missed the playoffs this past season, are determined to end their eight-year postseason drought. With a core featuring Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, Alex DeBrincat, and Dylan Larkin, the addition of Guentzel could be the final puzzle piece that transforms them from a fringe team into a serious Eastern Conference contender.
Detroit finished the 2024–25 season with a record of 42-34-6, just three points shy of a playoff berth. Their inconsistency down the stretch and lack of top-line scoring proved costly. Guentzel, who has 67 points in 69 career playoff games, immediately addresses those shortcomings.
“This is a statement signing,” said NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes. “Yzerman is signaling that the rebuild is over. With Guentzel in the fold, this team has the pieces to make a serious playoff run—maybe even more.”
The Financial Breakdown
At $92 million over seven years, the deal places Guentzel among the NHL’s elite earners. However, Detroit structured the deal strategically: front-loaded with signing bonuses and performance incentives to maximize Guentzel’s impact in his prime years.
Contract Breakdown:
Term: 7 years
Total Value: $92 million
AAV: $13.14 million
Signing Bonuses: $35 million
No-Move Clause: First 4 years
Modified NTC: Final 3 years
Though the cap hit is significant, Detroit entered the offseason with nearly $20 million in cap space, allowing them to absorb the deal without sacrificing key players.
Penguins Era Ends for Guentzel
For Penguins fans, the loss of Guentzel marks the end of an era. Drafted 77th overall in 2013, he blossomed into a star alongside Sidney Crosby, helping lead Pittsburgh to the 2017 Stanley Cup and four consecutive playoff berths. He finishes his Penguins career with 227 goals and 491 points in 572 games.
Despite efforts by Pittsburgh GM Kyle Dubas to retain him, Guentzel’s desire for a long-term deal and the Penguins’ ongoing retool made it difficult to reach terms. He was traded to Carolina at the 2025 deadline, but the Hurricanes were unable to lock him down long-term, making him the top target in this year’s free agent class.
“It’s tough leaving Pittsburgh,” Guentzel acknowledged. “I grew up there, won a Cup there, and have lifelong friends. But this is a new chapter, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
What It Means for Detroit’s Future
Detroit’s signing of Guentzel is more than just a splash—it’s a turning point. With Seider eligible for a massive extension and Raymond’s deal kicking in soon, the Red Wings are entering a window where talent must be maximized while the cap allows. Yzerman, renowned for his patience and discipline, picked his moment carefully.
“This isn’t about one player,” Yzerman said. “It’s about building a group that can win together, for years. Jake fits into that perfectly.”
The Guentzel signing may also pave the way for further moves. With over $7 million in cap space remaining, Detroit could still target a veteran defenseman or bottom-six center to round out the roster.
Fan Reaction & League Buzz
The reaction from the Red Wings faithful was immediate and euphoric. Social media exploded with praise for the front office, while fans flooded merch stores and ticket sites in anticipation of what promises to be a thrilling season at Little Caesars Arena.
“I’m shaking right now,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We finally got our guy. Welcome to Hockeytown, Jake!”
League-wide, rival GMs took note of Detroit’s boldness.
“This changes the Eastern Conference landscape,” said one anonymous Atlantic Division executive. “Detroit just fast-forwarded their timeline.”
What’s Next?
Training camp opens in mid-September, and all eyes will be on Detroit as Guentzel dons the winged wheel for the first time. Early projections have him skating on the top line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, forming a trio with speed, skill, and finishing touch.
For a city hungry for postseason hockey—and for a franchise yearning to recapture its former glory—the Guentzel era might just be the spark needed to ignite the next great Red Wings chapter.
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Social Media Caption:
🔥 BLOCKBUSTER IN HOCKEYTOWN 🔥 Red Wings sign Jake Guentzel to a 7-year, $92M deal—Detroit just got serious. 🐙🏒 #LGRW #NHLFreeAgency #GuentzelToDetroit.
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