JotCast | Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 01.17.19

Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 01.17.19

Jason Mackey

1:00

Hi folks. Just unpacking here in my Phoenix-area hotel. Spent last night in Sedona. Fire away with any questions you might have ...

Sunshine0789

1:02

Hey Jason,
Thanks for your wonderful articles week after week. I truly enjoy how informative they are. I know the Brassard talk probably gets old, but I personally I think he’s purposely underproducing so that he gets traded. He’ll give just enough effort so that it’s not glaringly obvious, but he’s not going to give them his all. It’s not exactly a secret that he’s unhappy with his minutes and position so that’s how he shows it. Obviously you’re not Brassard and aren’t in the locker room or Pens’ office to know that to be true or false, but what’s your opinion on that?

Jason Mackey

1:04

Hi Sunshine. Also appreciate the kind words. Seriously. ... I don't know if Brassard is "underperforming" on purpose. It is, after all, a contract year for him. Do I think he's uncomfortable here? Yes. I also think he wants to play more. But it would serve him no benefit whatsoever to purposefully play like crap. He's only costing himself money.

kevin in Punxsy

1:04

Jason, what is the percentage chance that Brassard will still be a Penguin by the trade deadline?

Jason Mackey

1:04

I don't have an exact number, Kevin, but I can't imagine it's very high.

Derick Brassard

1:04

Am I being traded, and who might I fetch in return?

Jason Mackey

1:05

I think so, Derick. That's to be determined, but I think you'll probably fit a lot better somewhere else.

Jason

1:05

Hey there, did you remember to pack extra undies for this roadtrip??

Jason Mackey

1:05

Ha. I don't check bags. I usually pack for about 4-5 days then commit to doing laundry. I've done it twice on this trip.

Rob Prest

1:05

Hey Jason, there is a lot of Brass trade talk now but what other plays could you see moved?

Jason Mackey

1:05

I could see Oleksiak going. One of the defenseman, for sure, and I think Oleksiak would not only open the most space, but he would also be the only one who would fetch anything in return.

Dave

1:06

Sedona sure is beautiful! Everyone knows Brass is getting dealt, do you feel it will be packaged with a D-man since the Pens have too many as is?

Jason Mackey

1:06

Yes, I think that's very likely how this goes down.

Levi

1:06

I know you will get this a ton. But 1. What is the percentage in which you see brassard ACTUALLY being dealt? 2. Josh Yohe states in his live chat he thinks brassard needs to feel “important” not taking a shot at him. Is this your impression ? It’s kind of mine he seems like he needs to be important

Jason Mackey

1:07

Yeah, I would absolutely agree with Josh. I think it's the same way as saying the dude wants to play top-six minutes. I think there's a realistic hangup here with the minutes played and power-play time he gets ... but also with role on the team. I think Brassard functions better when he's one of the team's best players ... which isn't really the case here.

james

1:07

Which defenceman (olesiak/maata) would you bet gets packaged with Brassard at the deadline? And do you think they can get a good return?

Jason Mackey

1:08

I know a lot of people talk about Maatta, but I've very rarely heard his name even mentioned. I think Oleksiak is much more likely. Although if Jim got a haul for Olli, I'm sure he would at least consider it. Maatta's not untouchable, by any stretch. But they do like the idea of him playing with Schultz.

Big Game Brass

1:08

Hi Jason, I really want to go back to New York. Maybe pair me with Tristan and give Geno his left wing in Kreider? Pretty please.

Jason Mackey

1:08

Ha. That would be something. What incentive would there be for the rebuilding Rangers, though? Jarry? You'd probably have to sweeten the pot quite a bit.

Folk

1:08

Was the trade made last night just for depth or was there more of a reason?

Jason Mackey

1:09

It was made for depth. That's it. And they think that Blandisi probably has more potential than Grant.

james

1:09

Why do you think there is such hesitation to give Di Pauli or Bluegger a shot?

Jason Mackey

1:10

Not quite sure, there. For Di Pauli, it's been a lot of injuries. But Blueger was ready to start the season -- GMJR's words, not mine -- and hasn't gotten a sniff. I know they want those guys to play impactful roles next season. A huge part of it could be not wanting to throw them into a situation where things go south, and it costs problems. Better to wait too long than force it, ya know?

Asthmadan

1:10

With Brassard's meager production, what kind of package do you think the Pens would need to put together for an impactful 3rd line center?

Jason Mackey

1:11

I think finding a team with a top-six center need who also needs help on D and is thin with goaltending would be the perfect fit. Columbus might fit that, but I'm not sure I see GMJR doing anything inside the Metro. Same for Jarmo. Dallas might work, too, but the Pens would want Faksa. I'm not sure the Stars would be OK with that. Doesn't make sense for them.

JohnAl

1:11

What is the trade market looking in terms of returns for Brassard? Of the two rumored landing spots for Brassard (Dallas and Columbus), the only player who'd really be an upgrade at center in regards to fit would be Faksa, and I can't see Nill doing it. Do you know who the Penguins are asking for?

Jason Mackey

1:13

They don't talk names for fear of tampering and that sort of thing, but you're right on both possibilities. I would also expect both Jim and Jarmo to be hesitant to make an division swap at the deadline. A team like Carolina is intriguing to me. They've called on Jarry before. They could use someone like Brassard. Don't have a huge need for someone like Oleksiak, but if they could get a third team involved, who knows.

ROOSTER

1:13

Haven't heard much criticism of Malkin's play.....unless your watching the games with me in my living room here in Florida!!!

Jason Mackey

1:14

Ha. I've heard plenty of criticism over Malkin, including one guy who wanted to trade him. He was bad in San Jose, but geez, didn't he come into the game with a six-game point streak? Also, this isn't the first time Malkin has endured a bit of a curious and disjointed stretch.

Johan Hedberg

1:14

Why lock up DeSmith? Aren't his types a dime a dozen?

Jason Mackey

1:15

DeSmith might be capable of being a starting goaltender in the league. He's also played very well and has a history with the goalie coach. Murray likes him. The whole team likes him, honestly. Why risk it when you could wind up with Antti Niemi again?

Bill

1:15

Jason, does the organization have any plans for Blueger? I know where he's at on the depth chart but they may need this guy to be a cheap bottom 6 C next season and need to know if he can play at the NHL level.

Jason Mackey

1:16

I think they honestly believe he'll be part of the team next year. This year? Not so much from what I've heard. They're sort of slow-playing it; however, I will say this: Jim wanted Blandisi > Grant so he could mess around with that 13th spot more than he had. That will include Garrett Wilson, but it could easily also include Teddy Blueger. It could also be Blandisi's job if he plays well. I think they're gonna see how it plays out. But re: Blueger, I think they're wary of rushing him.

dave

1:16

Jason, what do you think is wrong with Malkin? In the San Jose game, he couldn't even stay on his skates.

Jason Mackey

1:17

The skates have been a big issue for him, Dave. He's not comfortable at all. Trying different things. New ones, too. In Anaheim, he told Dejan and I that he liked them and was all bubbly. Then, the other night. I also think he know he hasn't had a great year, and he's pressing some.

Tim

1:17

With how tight the standings are in the metropolitan division what do you think the chances are that the pens might not make the playoffs

Jason Mackey

1:17

Nil. They'll make it. I wouldn't worry about that.

Andrew

1:17

Are the penguins skating today? And if so at gila or ice den?

Jason Mackey

1:18

They are. GRA at 2:15, but it's closed to the public.