NHL Trade Rumors: Rangers Expressed 'Serious Interest' in Penguins' Jake Guentzel

Sitting atop the Metropolitan Division standings, the New York Rangers are exploring potentially significant additions before Friday's trade deadline.

Per Vincent Z. Mercogliano of the Westchester Journal News, the Rangers have expressed "serious interest" in Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel.

Frank Vatrano of the Anaheim Ducks is also a player the Rangers have high on their wish list, but Mercogliano noted the price for him and Guentzel is extremely lofty.

The Penguins are believed to be seeking a first-round draft pick and "multiple young assets" for Guentzel as general manager Kyle Dubas attempts the difficult task of helping the team stay relevant during Sidney Crosby's twilight while also keeping an eye toward the future.

That price could be an issue for Rangers general manager Chris Drury, who "strongly prefers" not to give up any players currently on the NHL team or top prospects Brennan Othmann and Gabe Perreault.

There is an expectation that Guentzel is going to be traded, with an agreement possibly in place by Wednesday night.

Per TSN's Darren Dreger, the Penguins hope to have a deal for the 29-year-old in place and are open to a quantity-over-quality return.

Guentzel is in the final season of a five-year, $30 million contract and carries an average annual value of $6 million and a 12-team no-trade clause, per CapFriendly. He remains out with what is speculated to be a fractured finger, per Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, but is expected to return soon after the trade deadline.

In 50 games this season, the left winger has posted 22 goals and 30 assists, giving him an average of just over a point per game.