Report: Lightning targeting Guentzel after trades

The Tampa Bay Lightning are prioritizing Jake Guentzel in free agency after creating ample cap space with a pair of trades Saturday, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

The Bolts dealt Mikhail Sergachev to Utah and Tanner Jeannot to Los Angeles during the second day of the draft and now have $16.5 million in financial flexibility, per Cap Friendly.

The newfound money could also be used on retaining captain and unrestricted free agent Steven Stamkos. Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois said Friday he's unsure the two sides will be able to come to an agreement before the market opens July 1.

Guentzel is expected to be among the most pursued players this signing period. The Carolina Hurricanes, who acquired the winger prior to March's trade deadline, have been negotiating an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $8 million with Guentzel, Friedman notes.

The Hurricanes are the only team who can sign Guentzel to an eighth year.

Guentzel registered 30 goals and 77 points in 67 games split with Carolina and Pittsburgh this past season. He's a two-time 40-goal-scorer and an established playoff performer. Guentzel won the Stanley Cup in 2017 with the Penguins and has 67 points in 69 career postseason contests.

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