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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 05.02.19
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Jason Mackey
12:44
Hi folks. Welcome to my weekly chat. We'll get started here at 1. Just finishing up a story about Matt Murray's potential contract extension. Feel free to fire away now, and I'll be back to answer 'em all in a bit. Thanks.
Steeler Joe
12:55
Hey, Jason. Happy offseason! Saw your piece on Malkin--I mean, there's not really a serious chance he gets moved, right? I am with you, that it seems to be more about sending a message to him. At the same time, that's a risky move, isn't it? A petulant star, and you're going to poke at him about his commitment? I feel like there are some real concerns right now with the chemistry of this entire organization, and it's at the heart of the early exit this year and the lackluster regular season. Maybe it starts at the top?
Jason Mackey
12:57
Hi Joe. Yeah, I think there's a chance he gets moved. A good one? Probably not based on his no-movement clause and what you would have to get back to feel OK moving a player of his import. But they are legitimately discussing which direction to go -- including breaking up the core. I don't think it's a chemistry issue within the entire organization, but I do think they need to pick a direction and go with it. Also, look at a team like Carolina ... obviously not as skilled, but they have a better idea of who they are and how they want to play. The Penguins need to get back to that, Malkin or not.
Dead Fan
12:58
Hey Mackey, are you still listening to the Grateful Dead? I've been listening to some choice nuggs lately to cope with the playoff exit. Mostly stuff from 71-73, because the bass riffs in those days match the tones of my emotions. What are you jamming to when you space out these days?
Jason Mackey
12:58
Always listening to the Dead, although I don't space out or anything like that. Just enjoy the tunes. Been a big '89 kick lately, specifically Alpine Valley. As one of my friends likes to say, it's desert island good.
Guest
1:01
Will Jack Johnson be back next season?
Jason Mackey
1:01
I think so. The organization isn't as down on Jack as the fan base, believe me. And also, given his lengthy contract, I think it would be tough to move that.
sonics
1:01
When does the Seattle Franchise join the league for their first season?
Jason Mackey
1:02
2021-22.
Danimal
1:03
If a league of hockey players shout "I quit!", but nobody paid to get into the arena to hear them, do they make a sound?
Jason Mackey
1:03
Why would an entire league be in one building at one time?
athletic
1:03
Are you sad that you didn't go to the Athletic with Ed and Nesbitt?
Jason Mackey
1:04
Not at all. I wish them nothing but they best. They and Sean are great and will remain friends. But I'm extremely happy at the Post-Gazette and proud of what we're doing here.
hockey
1:04
I've been gone for a few years, but I remember a while back that you were going to do some research for a chat attendee on Jim Thorpe and whether or not he played hockey. Did you ever get any info on that? Thanks, Jason!
Jason Mackey
1:05
And thankful aren't we all. Ha. No, no info. Sorry. Maybe next week.
Jason
1:05
What do you think of the Malkin trade? Did we get fair value?
Jason Mackey
1:05
The Malkin trade? Did I miss something?
Guest
1:05
I get all of the trade Phil talk - but wouldn't he be more valuable to the team to trade at the deadline, rather than now. All teams know his deficiencies but might be more willing to take him on if what they most need for a playoff push is just scoring? Love the chats BTW!
Jason Mackey
1:06
I see what you're saying, but I think you might be splitting hairs. Any team that takes on Phil -- then or now -- knows what they're getting. The dude can certainly score and play offense. You're going to have to be willing to live with the rest of the stuff or think you can change. I'm not sure timing changes teams' minds all that much. Thank you for the kinds words on the chats. Glad you enjoy them.
Bobby
1:06
Have you done laundry this week? Remember to pack extra underwear for the Arts Fest
Jason Mackey
1:06
Just finished. And thank you.
Dirty Troll
1:07
For trades involving either Kessel or Malkin, i'd be happy to get draft picks but most importantly, salary cap relief. What say you, big boy?
Jason Mackey
1:08
I'm with you on Phil. I think they're going to need it. Plus, they need to do something. It might be a year or two early, but you'd rather do that than a year or two late. Malkin is different. You would need to get premium return, and I just don't see it. Plus, I just don't see how Malkin doesn't retire a Penguin -- pardon the double-negative. That said, given how aggressive Rutherford has seemed about this whole thing, I think it has to be taken seriously, don't you?
The Other Guard
1:09
Hi Jason - On a scale of 1-10, 10 being most likely, where do you see a Malkin or Letang deal? I hope GMJR does not make a deal out of frustration(see Carl Hagelin) or just to make one. Thanks Jason!
Jason Mackey
1:09
Dealing Hagelin wasn't out of frustration, to be fair. It was more that he felt his team needed something. It also didn't crater the entire season, contrary to what I think some people believe. I'd put a Malkin deal at about a 2. Letang at around a 5, depending on return and whether they believe he can be a little more responsible during key times.
Andrew from Long Island
1:10
Does Malkin really get shopped or is this GMJR sending a message?
Jason Mackey
1:10
I think it's more than message sending. But I don't think he will ultimately end up getting dealt.
Rick in Orlando
1:10
Trade Malkin Letang Kessel Johnson or Hornqvist? If you could get fair value for any of them, I would trade all of them. However the only player I see that happening with is Malkin. What say you?
Jason Mackey
1:11
I don't see who would want the Johnson contract. Hornqvist probably, too, given his recent concussion history. If he's healthy, too, I also believe Hornqvist can and will be productive again. I would move on from Phil to free up the money and change the culture a bit.
Willie B.
1:11
Just for fun, what might a hypothetical Malkin-to-Florida trade look like?
Jason Mackey
1:13
If I was Rutherford, I would want Vince Trocheck to be involved, I know that. Probably Trocheck and some premium picks/prospects. I don't think that would actually happen, but I'm saying where I would start. I think Vince would be a terrific fit in Pittsburgh.
Ron Francis
1:13
The majority of GMJR's trades since winning the 2017 Stanley Cup have failed.  Moves to acquire Ryans Reaves, Derrick Brassard and Tanner Person and sell Ian Cole, Filip Gustavsson and Carl Hagelin were all mistakes.  His batting average has been very low.  It's not coincidence that the Penguins have gotten worse.  This seems like it would be enough to warrant a change at GM.  What more would it take for the Penguins to consider a change?
Jason Mackey
1:14
A lot more, Ron. You're also discounting Rutherford acquiring Marcus Pettersson, Jared McCann and Nick Bjugstad during that same time period. Do those count for nothing? I also don't blame Brassard on Rutherford. The thought process was right. There was no way anybody could have predicted he would be such a sourpuss about everything.
Dan Mucy
1:14
Hi Jason, happy to talk again!   Well, Jim Rutherford has drawn a line in the sand, so to speak.   Doesn't he now have to put up or shut up?    I'm afraid if he doesn't make big changes, we will be the latest version of the Blackhawks and Kings.   Also, glad JR is supporting Sullivan.    At some point NHL players gotta stop running coaches out.     Keep up the great work, my friend!    Dan
Jason Mackey
1:15
Thanks, Dan. I do think there's a bit of a line here with Sullivan. Rutherford is backing his coach and seemingly is insisting they listen to him. Good for him. I think Sullivan is a terrific coach, and I think it's absurd that hockey players "tune out" the coach. ... Given what he's said and done with the sizable changes being discussed, yes, I think he has to do something. However, he was probably going to trade Phil all along. If he moves Phil and Olli -- which I think he will -- I think that's enough to follow through.
Dave h
1:15
Why did we ever get rid of Tom Kuhnackel?
Jason Mackey
1:16
Don't know all the ins and outs, but I know the Pens offered Kuhnhackl a deal he felt was kind of a low-ball offer -- either in years or dollars, can't remember which. Kuhnhackl felt he could get more elsewhere and also achieve more of a prominent role. Penguins couldn't give Kuhnhackl much more, so he moved on.
TortorellaLite AKA MikeSullivan
1:17
Not really a question, but just wanted to remind everyone that Letang is terrible and always has been regardless of the PG's beat writers aka Pittsburgh's sport public relations department try to tell us. Hands down the most overrated defenseman in the league.
Jason Mackey
1:20
Wow. Funny you bring this up because I took a considerable amount of heat for asking Letang on breakup day if he needed to change his game -- some, and maybe they're right, thought that was borderline insane. My opinion: Letang isn't overrated at all. He's a terrific defenseman, but he does take a few unnecessary gambles. Also takes too may hard hits. A-plus work on the troll job, though: coming into a chat simply to try and insult "the PG's beat writers aka Pittsburgh's sports public relations department." Wish we got double pay for that.
Andrew from Long Island
1:22
It pretty obvious some changes need made... Play GM for a day, how would you change these currently constructed penguins...
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