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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 11.15.2018
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Jason Mackey
12:21
Hi folks. Welcome to my Thursday Penguins chat. You can leave your questions now. I'll be back at 1 p.m. to answer them. Thanks!
Christian
12:58
Hi Jason, during training the camp I remember reading how the organization felt that Blueger is NHL ready. Since the pens are struggling to get offense out of their bottom six should we expect to see him recalled soon?
Jason Mackey
12:59
Hi Christian. You are correct. The organization does feel Blueger is ready for a shot. However, I think they prefer Derek Grant over him right now just because of what Grant did last year: moving up in the lineup in Anaheim whenever Getzlaff and Kesler were hurt. I think Blueger will get a chance, but I think they want to try Grant first.
Guest
12:59
Pearson playing tonight? And who do you think he’ll work best with?
Jason Mackey
1:01
He is. I'm expecting him to start with Malkin and Hornqvist, a straight switch for Hagelin. You could then go with Guentzel-Sheahan-Kessel as your second line, maybe even have Grant take Crosby's wingers in Simon and Rust. I could be wrong, of course, but I think you do need to get Pearson's confidence up. What better way than to play him right away with Malkin?
Colin
1:01
when do you think the Pens will get Murray back between the pipes?
Jason Mackey
1:01
He's going to start tonight. Perfect time for them to do it. Gotta get him reestablished as their No. 1 guy.
Colin
1:01
Do you believe Jussi Rikolia will get more games or will the Pens send him down and let him play at the AHL level?
Jason Mackey
1:03
I think they will continue to rotate based on matchups, at least until someone separates himself. I think against some teams you could see Riikola scratched, others Ruhwedel or Oleksiak. Although I must admit, Sullivan said the other day he went with Riikola against Arizona because of speed. Against Tampa -- which is obviously worlds better and faster than the Coyotes -- they're not using Riikola. That doesn't track.
Kevin
1:03
Do you think there will be more trades? And if so who  do you think will go.
Jason Mackey
1:04
It will depend on performance, Kevin. If they don't play better, yes. There will be more trades, and I would look for Sprong, Maatta and maybe Rust or Sheahan to be next to go. But if they start winning again, then no, I think GMJR will be done. The Hagelin deal was more about getting his team's attention and getting something for a UFA.
Ivan
1:04
Hello Mackey! Do you think Sid’s injury is serious?
Jason Mackey
1:05
I don't think they know. At this point, they're hopeful it heals. But there's not a ton of certainty with that. That's what I can comfortably tell you at this point, anyway.
Jace
1:05
In his 31 thoughts, Friedman said he can see the Pens-Ducks making a trade involving players who need a fresh start. With both teams being close to Max salary, it would have to be players with similar salaries. What do you think? I’d love Kase or Montour but I’m not sure if they’re on the block. From Pens side, it’s probably Maatta or Sprong.
Jason Mackey
1:06
Yeah, I would think Sprong is probably in there. They need to find somewhere for him to go. The fact that he's not playing tonight says everything you need to know. He's not going to play here. I think Maatta could be involved in that -- I think Jim has had conversations about him -- but definitely the more likely of the two is Sprong.
PC
1:06
Idk how much you like evaluating mock trades, but Maatta/Simon for Johns/Shore with Dallas? Dallas gets a top 4D and a good temporary guy to fill in the Klingberg void. Simon is good depth scoring. Johns is that right 3rd pairing guy and Shore could work as Crosby’s RW in my opinion. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
1:11
None, if we're being honest, PC. Hypothetical trades are mostly a waste of time since they barely ever happen. But what the heck? Nothing else to do right? ... I don't like it much. I don't think Dallas would do it because Maatta isn't going to help them play faster, which they've been trying to do. Also gives them similar players in Jack Johnson and Johns while not addressing their own need to get faster. Shore has 15 goals in 238 NHL Games. If we're talking winger for Sid, it's hugely likely they'll try to get someone with a greater pedigree than that.
VigoTheCarpathian
1:11
That Hags trade is tough, but it reminds me of the Colby Armstrong trade from a decade ago — super-popular locker room guy, lots of speed and energy, but ultimately a guy who gives you 20-35 points a year. Any other recent similar Pens  trades come to mind, guys that we missed more for their personality than their production?
Jason Mackey
1:15
That's a good one. Ian Cole, maybe. Although I would argue he helped a lot on the PK and with Justin Schultz. ... I can't come up with much, to be honest with you. Maybe Ryan Whitney? ... It's an interesting topic. I'm now going to think way too much about it the rest of the day. Thanks.
Dez
1:15
After scoring that beauty, you think any more teams looking at Jarry 😂😂
Jason Mackey
1:15
Bring him up to the NHL. Should be their third-line center.
Hollywood
1:16
Question on waiver rules. Derek Grant had to pass through waivers a while back when he was sent down to Wilkes, but if I'm not mistaken he has been brought up and sent down a couple times since. Does he have to pass through waivers each time, or after the first time can they send him down as often as they want? BTW love your "20 Thoughts" columns, it's a must-read every week.
Jason Mackey
1:18
Thank you very much for the kind words. It depends. A player does not have to re-clear waivers unless he had played 10 games or been in the NHL for 30 days. Don't believe either of those apply to Grant.
Chris
1:18
Do the Penguins still feel Murray is one of he top goalies in the league? would Rutherfoord be looking elsewhere for a #1?
Jason Mackey
1:19
Yes, they do. They're confident he can return to Stanley Cup-winning form. I understand a part of the fan base may doubt that, but I'm just telling you how the organization feels. They're not looking for a No. 1 for a couple reasons. That and the fact that they're really, really expensive.
Malkin_theBeast
1:19
The evidence this year, Pens are not as fast as their Cup runs, or said differently, the league has caught up with speed. That team needs more speed and they traded Hagelin... I cannot understand that trade?
Jason Mackey
1:20
GMJR is trying to get his team's attention. Plus, they do think Pearson can help. Do I agree? Not really. I'm more with you. It doesn't make a ton of sense. But I will say this: I think the Penguins are faster than they've played. Part of that has been their overall game. Too many mistakes. Too many times chasing games. Too sloppy. They've looked slower than they actually are. Also, if this trade gets the players' attention -- which is very well might -- then I think GMJR would take that over the speed thing.
MaySee Gray
1:20
Whether it will be a Mom trip or a Dad trip this year, will Jack Johnson be the first player to actively opt out of the activities?  Has that ever been discussed by or around you?  I'm guessing not, I'm only asking because I imagine it must be hard to navigate around sometimes.
Jason Mackey
1:21
They don't "opt out" of activities. Matt Murray went on the dad's trip last year shortly after his father passed ... and handled it wonderfully I might add: http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2018/02/09/dads-trip-matt-...
1:22
Dad's trip is Dec. 9-13, I believe. Wouldn't doubt if Jack and Matt spend some additional time together.
jfrank@cox.net
1:23
Penguins apparently don't walk on their logo in locker room out of respect. Why then do they wear the logo facing wrong way on helmets?
Jason Mackey
1:24
They don't walk on the logo. Nobody does. It's an NHL thing, and it's stupid and weird. ... I don't understand what you mean, though. It's facing frontwards. Isn't that how you would want it to face?
guest
1:24
so so sad to see hagelin go.  Who do you think Rutherford is referring to when he says the chemistry is off in the room right now?  The majority of these guys have been together for awhile now.
Jason Mackey
1:25
Yeah, that's kind of the million-dollar question. I'm not sure he knows. I think he thinks there's something missing right now. Call it an urgency, a fire, something. It's not that guys are mad at each other or hate coming to work, but it's just not working right now. My best guess would be that GMJR thinks everyone is a little too comfortable.
Charles In Large
1:25
Does Rutherford tell the team before he makes comments like the ones he did on the Pens podcast? Or is it the Sully's job to tell them, or do they all go online and read about it? Nobody ever says "What? He said that? holy cow." I'm just curious about the whole 'calling out' process.
Jason Mackey
1:26
Sure. I asked Jim about this last week. No, he doesn't tell anyone. Even Getzoff, apparently, although Josh picked up pretty quick what Jim was doing once it happened. No, I don't think anyone tells the players. That's on them. Some read. Some don't. When we asked them about GMJR's comments a day or so later, the majority said they had not seen or heard them.
Kim
1:26
Any more trades on the horizon? If so who do you see?
Jason Mackey
1:27
Jim's going to wait and see whether this does the trick. I think he'd like to stay with this, but if it doesn't improve, then, yeah, he's gonna do something else. Regardless of results, I would look for Sprong to get moved soon, possibly to Anaheim.
guest
1:27
Do you  think there is a disconnect with Murray in the locker room?  Does he keep to himself too much?  When I read about their weekend in Canada and I saw Murray visited that mountain top the day before the majority of the other players went, my first thought was why didn't he go with the rest of the players.
Jason Mackey
1:28
Murray is, by nature, kind of a loner. He's hardly alone among goaltenders in that regard. I wouldn't worry too much about it. I remember seeing him in Downtown Nashville, walking around by himself. It's genuine. He just kinda does his own thing. I'm kind of like that, and we've talked about it. I don't think it's a bad thing. He's just being himself. He can hang out with Santa Claus or the Iron Sheik on the road if he wants; dude just needs to stop more shots.
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