It is not a huge deal for Guentzel because he is still going to cash in on a per-year basis, no matter where he signs this offseason. But if he was hoping to get the max-term eight-year contract, that went away the second the Hurricanes traded his free agent rights to Tampa Bay.
Now the best he can hope for is a seven-year deal, which is still something he could easily get if he wants. And he probably does.
There is nothing that says he has to sign in Tampa Bay, and he is still in the driver's seat when it comes to his next destination. If the Lightning match his salary demands, it works out for everybody. If they do not, he has the open market at his disposal. The advantage Carolina had at the start of the offseason was the potential for an eight-year deal. Now nobody has that, and it all comes down to who will pay up in terms of the salary.
