When it comes to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Jake Guentzel, a trade involving the pending unrestricted free agent has seemingly become more of a matter of when than if.

We know he's likely moving, we just don't know where or for what return.

However, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Penguins would prefer to receive prospects over draft picks in exchange for Guentzel.

"From what I understand, Pittsburgh has told teams they are more interested in two prospects as opposed to a prospect and a first-rounder," said Friedman during the Saturday Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada.

"They prefer prospects over picks. That's what Pittsburgh has told teams; they've told several teams this. Of course, if you need them to eat money or they have to take a contract back, that could change the dynamic. But that's the key thing."

Watch Hockey Central's trade deadline show on Sportsnet

Sportsnet’s wall-to-wall coverage of the NHL trade deadline can be seen in a special edition of Hockey Central on March 8, beginning at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT. Watch the show on Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+.

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Guentzel, considered the top forward option on the market, is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury. He is expected to return to play shortly after the NHL trade deadline on Friday, once he becomes eligible to come off the injured reserve list.

The 29-year-old has 52 points (22 goals and 30 assists) in 50 games this season. Over his 503-game career, all with Pittsburgh, Guentzel has 466 points (219 goals and 247 assists).

Penguins prefer prospects over picks for Jake Guentzel

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