Guentzel, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, began the 2023-24 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins before being shipped to the Carolina Hurricanes ahead of the trade deadline in March. In 67 games with Pittsburgh and Carolina, Guentzel recorded 77 points (30 goals, 47 assists), 22 penalty minutes and was a plus-25. While with the Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the 29-year-old added nine points in 11 games.