# SURPRISING TRADE-OFF? Did Tampa Bay Lightning GAIN With Jake Guentzel Over Steven Stamkos?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-lightning-daily-podcast-on-the-tampa-bay-lightning-946332/surprising-trade-off-did-tampa-bay-lightning-gain-with-jake-guentzel-over-steven-stamkos
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-lightning-daily-podcast-on-the-tampa-bay-lightning-946332/surprising-trade-off-did-tampa-bay-lightning-gain-with-jake-guentzel-over-steven-stamkos.md
Podcast: [Locked On Lightning - Daily Podcast On The Tampa Bay Lightning](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-lightning-daily-podcast-on-the-tampa-bay-lightning-946332)
Published: 2026-06-04T22:15:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-lightning/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/588649/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/de243045-ffe3-4794-85c4-8cd47275da38/episodes/56a8e7b6-b120-4fa9-80f0-10058d1e989f/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=de243045-ffe3-4794-85c4-8cd47275da38&awEpisodeId=56a8e7b6-b120-4fa9-80f0-10058d1e989f&feed=2fLEfdF3
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Duration seconds: 1701

## Resource

Tampa Bay Lightning’s bold decision to replace franchise legend Steven Stamkos with Jake Guentzel pays off—was it the right call for long-term success? Greg Stephen breaks down the contrasting trajectories of Stamkos and Guentzel, analyzing their contracts, roles, and on-ice impact since the high-profile transition. Key stats reveal Guentzel’s consistency as a point-per-game player and his strength in defensive play, while Stamkos’s departure exposes glaring power play weaknesses. Discussion turns to Tampa Bay’s evolving offensive threats, the impact on special teams, and John Cooper’s Jack Adams Award-winning coaching in the face of adversity. As the Lightning prepare for future playoff pushes and address lingering issues on the man advantage, fans are invited to reconsider their stance on the Stamkos move. Plus, get expert predictions for the Stanley Cup Finals showdown between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes—will Vegas surge continue, or can Carolina fight back? 00:00 Stamkos Departure Reflection Greg Stephen discusses the context, fan perspectives, and organizational reasoning behind the decision to let Steven Stamkos leave, as well as the immediate shock and implications for the Tampa Bay Lightning. 06:11 Guentzel vs. Stamkos Analysis Greg Stephen compares Jake Guentzel's and Steven Stamkos’s on-ice performance, contracts, and fit with the Lightning, evaluating the swap with updated statistics and defensive contributions. 14:48 Guentzel’s Season Review & Finals Predictions Greg Stephen grades Guentzel's season, outlines his strengths, and projects future performance. The segment concludes with predictions and analysis for the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup Final.

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## Transcript

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