The 2024–2025 NHL season has offered a compelling case study in roster management, aging curves, and leadership dynamics. Two prominent forwards—Jake Guentzel and Steven Stamkos—have drawn attention not only for their on-ice production but also for the long-term implications of their contracts and roles within their respective teams
The 2024–2025 NHL season has brought renewed scrutiny to the decisions teams make in free agency, especially when it comes to aging stars versus prime contributors. Two players at the center of this conversation are Jake Guentzel and Steven Stamkos. Both were high-profile acquisitions, but their performances and contract values have diverged sharply, raising questions about long-term planning and leadership dynamics.
Jake Guentzel, now 31, has delivered an impressive season with 80 points and a +18 plus/minus rating. His offensive consistency and two-way play have made him a valuable asset, especially considering his age and the fact that he’s still in his prime. Guentzel’s ability to mesh with his new team and contribute immediately has validated the decision to bring him on board. While his seven-year contract carries some risk as he ages, the early returns suggest it was a calculated gamble worth taking.
In contrast, Steven Stamkos, at 35, has struggled to maintain his elite form. With just 53 points and a troubling -36 plus/minus rating, his impact on the ice has diminished. Nashville’s decision to pay him $8 million per year has drawn criticism, especially given the team’s need for younger, faster talent. Stamkos’s decline is not unexpected—most players see a drop-off in production in their mid-30s—but the severity of his defensive liability has been alarming.
However, Stamkos’s value cannot be measured by statistics alone. His leadership during his tenure with the Tampa Bay Lightning was exemplary. As captain, he guided the team through multiple deep playoff runs and was instrumental in fostering a winning culture. Compared to Victor Hedman, who has taken on more leadership responsibilities in Tampa, Stamkos’s presence was more commanding and emotionally resonant. That said, leadership alone cannot justify a hefty contract if the on-ice performance is lacking.
The contrast between Guentzel and Stamkos highlights a broader challenge in NHL roster construction: balancing legacy with present-day value. Guentzel represents a forward-looking investment—someone who can produce now and potentially remain effective for several more seasons. Stamkos, while a legend in his own right, may be better suited for a mentorship role or reduced minutes to preserve his effectiveness.
Ultimately, time will tell whether Guentzel’s seven-year deal proves to be a wise long-term move. If he continues to produce at this level, the contract could be a steal. For Nashville, the hope is that Stamkos’s intangible qualities—leadership, experience, and locker room presence—can offset his declining production. But in a league driven by speed, youth, and analytics, sentimentality rarely wins championships.
In the end, the 2024–2025 season has made one thing clear: Guentzel was a good addition, and Stamkos, while still respected, may no longer be the player who can carry a team. The numbers speak volumes, and the future will reveal whether these contracts were strokes of genius or cautionary tales.
Kyle Shanahan Delivers Bad News on Center Jake Brendel’s Injury
The injuries keep piling up for the 49ers. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that center Jake Brendel is expected to miss a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury.
Brendel sustained the injury during Sunday’s 20-10 win over the Falcons. The 33-year-old started the team’s first seven games, and his absence will open the door for Matt Hennessy to take over along the offensive line.
The 49ers are in a three-way tie atop the NFC West at 5-2. They visit the Texans on Sunday (1 p.m. ET).
Hennessey to Take Over at Center
Brendel left Sunday’s game in the first half. The 27-year-old Hennessey played relatively well in his absence, and Shanahan expressed confidence in him moving forward.
“He wasn’t perfect, but he works really hard at it,” Shanahan said of Hennessey. “We definitely mixed him in with reps. For him to get thrown in in that situation, especially versus a defense that stunts a lot, changes their fronts and definitely pressures at a high rate, I thought he did very well. I think he’ll only do better with more reps this week.”
It’s unfortunate timing for Brendel, who has been a stalwart along the offensive line. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranks him 11th out of 49 eligible centers with a grade of 69.1. More specifically, he’s ranked eighth as a run blocker and 35th as a pass blocker.
The 49ers are ranked in total offense (366.6 yards per game) but just 24th in scoring (20.7 points per game) as injuries continue to mount.
Purdy Expected to Miss Another Week
Shanahan also revealed Monday that Pro Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy will likely be out another week. Purdy has missed the last three games with a toe injury.
“Yeah, I would say that is,” Shanahan said when asked if Purdy’s a reach to return in Week 8.
The Athletic’s Diana Russini shed more light on Purdy’s status.
“He went through a workout (Sunday) on the field, and I was told he didn’t really feel that great,” Russini said. “So we’ll see how this progresses over the next few days.”
Mac Jones went 17-of-26 for 152 yards and one interception against the Falcons. He is 5-1 as a starter this season.
