Hey, if you’re a hockey fan, you’ve probably heard the name Jake Guentzel buzzing around lately. This guy’s got that rare mix of speed, smarts, and scoring touch that makes him a nightmare for defenders. From his breakout rookie year to stacking up goals for multiple teams, Guentzel’s journey shows what grit looks like on skates. Born in Omaha but raised in Minnesota, he’s carved out a solid spot in the league, chasing more rings after his early Stanley Cup magic. Let’s dive into the details on this left winger who’s all about the big moments.
Jake Guentzel’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Jake Allen Guentzel |
| Nickname | “Guentzy” or “Gunner” |
| Born | October 6, 1994, Omaha, Nebraska, USA |
| Age | 31 years |
| College | University of Nebraska Omaha |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2016 |
| Net Worth (2025 est.) | $32 million |
| Salary (2024-25) | $9 million AAV |
| Spouse | Natalie Guentzel |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @jakeguentzel |
Early Career
Guentzel’s early career trajectory showcased his development as a player. After playing two years of varsity hockey at Hill-Murray School in Maplewood, Minnesota, where his team finished second in the 2012 Minnesota State Hockey Tournament, Guentzel made the leap to the United States Hockey League (USHL). Playing for the Sioux City Musketeers during the 2012-13 season, he dominated with 29 goals and 44 assists for 73 points in 60 games, ranking sixth overall in USHL scoring.
His remarkable performance earned him both the USHL Rookie of the Year award and a spot on the USHL All-Rookie Team. He tied a USHL Tier 1 era record with a 21-game point streak, demonstrating his consistency and ability to maintain excellence over extended periods. This spectacular USHL season led to his commitment to play college hockey at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Professional Career
Guentzel’s professional career began after his collegiate stint at Nebraska-Omaha, where he scored 40 goals and added 79 assists across three seasons with the Mavericks. He was originally selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third round, 77th overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. In March 2016, he signed with Pittsburgh’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, where he quickly made an impact. During the 2016 AHL playoffs, he led the Baby Pens with 14 points in 10 games, garnering attention from the parent club.
Guentzel made his NHL debut on November 21, 2016, against the New York Rangers, immediately announcing his arrival by scoring two goals on his first two shots, despite the team losing 5-2. He quickly established himself as a valuable contributor, recording 16 goals and 33 points in 40 games during his rookie season.
However, it was the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs where Guentzel truly captured the imagination of hockey fans and solidified his place in Penguins lore. Skating alongside Sidney Crosby, Guentzel scored an incredible 13 goals in the playoffs, helping Pittsburgh win the Stanley Cup championship. This remarkable achievement made him one of the most decorated rookies in recent NHL history.
Wife
Jake Guentzel is married to Natalie Johnson Guentzel, whom he wed on July 30, 2021. Natalie, originally from Nebraska, played college soccer at the University of Nebraska-Omaha as a midfielder and was recognized for her academic excellence, earning Summit League Academic Honor Roll and Distinguished Scholar awards.
The couple shares a son named Charlie, who was born in 2023. Currently, the Guentzel family resides in Tampa, Florida, where Jake plays for the Lightning. Natalie maintains a private Instagram account (@natalieguentzel_) and maintains a low profile despite being married to one of the league’s most recognizable players.
Jake Guentzel’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Jake Guentzel’s net worth clocks in around $32 million, built from smart contracts, endorsements, and playoff bonuses over nearly a decade in the league. His latest seven-year pact with Tampa Bay at $9 million AAV pushes his career earnings past $32 million already, with projections hitting higher as he stacks incentives. Off the ice, investments in real estate and family ventures keep his finances steady, letting him focus on hockey without money worries.
Prize Money
| Year/Achievement | Prize/Bonus Amount (USD) | Details |
| 2016-17 Stanley Cup Win | ~$250,000 (full share) | Rookie share from Pittsburgh’s Cup victory; included playoff performance bonuses. |
| 2017 AHL All-Rookie Team | ~$10,000 (minor bonus) | Tied to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton recognition; small league incentive. |
| 2018-19 40 Goals | $500,000 (goal bonus) | Hit contract milestone for 30+ and 40 goals in regular season. |
| 2019-20 All-Star Selection | $20,000 (NHL event pay) | Appearance fee, though injury kept him out. |
| 2021-22 All-Star Game | $25,000 (NHL event pay) | Full participation in Vegas event. |
| 2022-23 40 Goals | $500,000 (goal bonus) | Another milestone hit, plus hat-trick bonuses. |
| 2023-24 Trade/Playoff Run | ~$100,000 (playoff share) | Partial with Carolina; Conference Final exit. |
| 2024-25 Four Nations | $50,000 (international) | Runner-up with Team USA; tournament prize. |
| Career Playoff Bonuses | ~$2.5 million total | Cumulative from multiple deep Penguins runs. |
| Total Estimated Prizes | $4 million+ | Across Cups, All-Stars, and milestones through 2025. |
Endorsements
- New Balance: Guentzel reps their hockey apparel line, showing off custom skates and training gear in social posts; deal started around 2018 and runs multi-year.
- Bauer Hockey: As a lefty sniper, he endorses their sticks and protective gear, often seen with the Vapor line during games and promos.
- PepsiCo (Gatorade): Hydration partner since 2019; appears in ads tying into his high-energy play, plus event sponsorships.
- Upper Deck: Trading card collabs, with autographed rookie cards boosting his collectible value; occasional signing events.
- Local Nebraska Brands: Ties back home with Omaha Steaks partnerships, promoting family meals post-game.
- Fanatics: Jersey and merch deals, leveraging his Penguins and Lightning popularity for fan gear lines.
These gigs add $1-2 million yearly to his income, picked for brands that fit his clean-cut, team-first image. Guentzel keeps endorsements straightforward, avoiding overkill to stay focused on the rink.
Career Records
Guentzel’s ledger shines in playoffs more than regular seasons, with records against tough foes highlighting his clutch gene. He’s faced everyone from Crosby’s Penguins days to Eastern rivals, often elevating against stars like Auston Matthews or Nikita Kucherov.
| Record/Stat | Value/Details | Notable Opponent Context |
| Playoff Goals (Single Postseason) | 13 (2016-17) | Led NHL vs. Columbus Blue Jackets; hat trick in OT Game 3 sealed series lead. |
| Playoff Points (Rookie) | 21 (2016-17) | Tied record vs. Nashville Predators in Cup Final; outdueled Pekka Rinne. |
| Regular Season Goals | 40 (2018-19, 2022-23) | Scored 8 vs. New York Rangers in 2023 playoffs; they rallied to eliminate Pens despite his hot streak. |
| Hat Tricks (Career) | 6 (3 regular, 3 playoff) | One vs. Boston Bruins in 2023; another in playoffs vs. Philadelphia Flyers (4 goals in Game 3, 2018). |
| Goals vs. Single Team | 34 (vs. Rangers) | Top mark; heated series, including 2023 upset where Rangers ousted Pens. |
| Multi-Goal Games | 50+ career | 3 goals vs. Calgary Flames (Dec 2024) as Lightning; built rep vs. Western teams like Wild (14 goals). |
| Points vs. Division Rival | 33 (vs. Islanders, Devils) | Metro battles; 4 points vs. Montreal Canadiens in 2023, a rare four-spot. |
| International Goals | 5 (2025 Four Nations) | Runner-up vs. Canada; sniped past Carey Price equivalents in tourney. |
| Four-Goal Playoff Game | 1 (2018) | Vs. Flyers; third Penguin ever, behind Lemieux/Stevens; series win followed. |
| Career Playoff Points | 89 (through 2025) | Deep runs vs. Capitals (eliminated in 2018 ECF, 21 points in 12 games). |
FAQs
1. Who is Jake Guentzel?
Jake Guentzel is an American professional ice hockey forward who plays primarily on the wing and currently skates for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL. He was drafted 77th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third round of the 2013 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut with them in 2016.
2. What position does Jake Guentzel play?
Guentzel is naturally a left winger but has the versatility to play both wing and center at the NHL level. For the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2025–26 season, he is listed and used as a center in a top‑six role and on the first power‑play unit.
3. What teams has Jake Guentzel played for?
In the NHL, Guentzel has played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Before reaching the NHL, he played for the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL, the University of Nebraska Omaha in the NCAA, and the Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton Penguins in the AHL.
4. What are Jake Guentzel’s career stats and achievements?
By the start of the 2025–26 season, Guentzel had more than 600 NHL regular‑season games with over 500 points, including multiple 30‑ and 40‑goal campaigns. His standout achievements include winning the Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh in 2017 and tying the NHL record for points by a rookie in a single postseason with 21 that spring.
5. What is Jake Guentzel’s contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning?
Guentzel signed a seven‑year, 63‑million‑dollar contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2024, carrying a 9‑million‑dollar average annual value. Tampa Bay acquired his negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes and then signed him long term to be a core scoring forward in their lineup.
6. Where did Jake Guentzel play college and junior hockey?
Guentzel played junior hockey for the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL, where he was a top scorer and won league rookie honors. He then played three seasons of NCAA Division I hockey for the University of Nebraska Omaha, leading the Mavericks in scoring as a sophomore and helping them reach their first Frozen Four.
7. How good is Jake Guentzel in the playoffs?
Guentzel has a reputation as an elite playoff performer, averaging well over a point per game in several postseason runs. In the 2017 playoffs, he scored 13 goals and 21 points in 25 games, including a hat trick and multiple game‑winners, helping the Penguins capture the Stanley Cup.
8. Has Jake Guentzel had major injuries?
Guentzel has had several notable injuries, including a significant shoulder injury that required surgery and caused a long absence during the 2019–20 season. He has also missed time with upper‑body issues and other shorter‑term injuries in later seasons but has consistently returned to top‑line duty when healthy.
9. What is Jake Guentzel’s playing style?
Guentzel is a skilled, goal‑scoring forward known for his hockey IQ, quick release, and ability to find soft spots in defensive coverage. He excels at finishing chances around the net, playing effectively with high‑end centers, and contributing heavily on the power play despite not being a physically imposing player.
10. What is known about Jake Guentzel’s family and background?
Guentzel was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and grew up in Minnesota in a hockey‑focused family. His father, Mike Guentzel, is a longtime coach and now pro scout, and his brothers Ryan and Gabe have also played hockey, which helped shape his development from a young age.