Lightning's Jake Guentzel: Ready for top-line role

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Guentzel will skate on the Lightning's top line with Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point.

"There is a lot of pressure on me," Guentzel told The Athletic. "But that's what makes it fun. I'm ready for this. I've learned a lot over the years." The pressure is on for Guentzel, who was signed to ostensibly replace former captain Steven Stamkos. The 29-year-old Guentzel proved he was more than Sidney Crosby's wingman after being traded to Carolina last season. Guentzel stepped up his output, producing 25 points in 17 games with the Hurricanes before adding another nine points in 11 postseason contests. Guentzel will benefit tremendously from the elite playmaking of Kucherov, who put up 100 assists last season. His best season was 2021-22, a 40-goal, 84-point performance. A career year may be in the cards in the 2024-25 campaign.