Jake Guentzel is an American professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2013, he has also played for the Carolina Hurricanes. Notably, Guentzel was part of the Penguins' Stanley Cup victory in 2017.
October 6, 1994: Birth of Jake Guentzel
Jake Allen Guentzel was born on October 6, 1994.
2007: First Time Missing Playoffs Since 2007
The 2022-2023 season marked the first time since 2007 that the Penguins did not participate in the playoffs.
2012: High School Hockey Success
In 2012, Jake Guentzel and his team at Hill-Murray School achieved 2nd place in the MN State Hockey Tournament.
2013: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins
In 2013, Jake Guentzel was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third round, 77th overall, in the NHL Entry Draft.
August 27, 2015: Named Co-Captain at University of Nebraska Omaha
On August 27, 2015, Jake Guentzel was named co-captain of the University of Nebraska Omaha hockey team alongside Brian Cooper.
2015: End of Collegiate Career
Jake Guentzel's time at the University of Nebraska Omaha concluded after the 2015-2016 season.
May 23, 2016: Signs Entry-Level Contract with Pittsburgh Penguins
On May 23, 2016, Jake Guentzel signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
November 21, 2016: NHL Debut and First Goals
Jake Guentzel made his NHL debut on November 21, 2016, against the New York Rangers, scoring two goals in the game.
March 21, 2017: Concussion Sidelines Guentzel
Jake Guentzel suffered a concussion on March 21, 2017 after a check from Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolalnen.
April 16, 2017: Playoff Hat Trick and Overtime Winner
On April 16, 2017, Jake Guentzel scored a hat trick, including the game-winning goal in overtime, during the playoffs against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
June 11, 2017: Penguins Win the Stanley Cup
The Pittsburgh Penguins, with Jake Guentzel, won the Stanley Cup on June 11, 2017, after defeating the Nashville Predators.
2017: Start of 2017-2018 Season
Jake Guentzel began the 2017-2018 NHL season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
2017: Stanley Cup Victory
Jake Guentzel won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2017.
November 24, 2018: First Regular Season Hat Trick
Jake Guentzel scored his first regular season hat trick on November 24, 2018, in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
2018: Four-Goal Playoff Game
During the first round of the 2018 playoffs, Jake Guentzel scored four goals in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
January 11, 2019: Second Regular Season Hat Trick and NHL Third Star of the Week
On January 11, 2019, Jake Guentzel scored his second regular season hat trick in a game against the Anaheim Ducks. He was subsequently named the NHL's Third Star of the Week.
December 30, 2019: 200th Career Point and Shoulder Injury
Jake Guentzel scored his 200th career point on December 30, 2019, against the Ottawa Senators. However, he sustained a shoulder injury in the same game and underwent surgery the following day.
2020: Continues Strong Performance in Shortened Season
Despite a shortened 2020-2021 season due to the pandemic, Jake Guentzel maintained a point-per-game production rate.
2020: Selected for NHL All-Star Game
Jake Guentzel was selected to play in the 2020 NHL All-Star Game.
July 30, 2021: Marriage to Natalie Johnson
Jake Guentzel married his longtime girlfriend, Natalie Johnson, on July 30, 2021.
November 2021: High Production and Point Streak in November 2021
Jake Guentzel demonstrated high production throughout November 2021, achieving a 13-game point streak.
August 4, 2022: Birth of Son, Charlie
Jake Guentzel and his wife, Natalie, welcomed their first child, a son named Charlie, on August 4, 2022.
2022: Penguins Miss Playoffs
In the 2022-2023 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins, including Jake Guentzel, did not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
March 7, 2024: Traded to the Carolina Hurricanes
On March 7, 2024, Jake Guentzel was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes.
June 30, 2024: Traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning
On June 30, 2024, Jake Guentzel was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
2025: Future Draft Pick Involved
The trade involving Jake Guentzel to the Tampa Bay Lightning included a third-round pick in the 2025 draft.