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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 12.18.25
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Jason Mackey
11:38
Hey, everyone. Welcome to my Penguins chat. We're gonna be a little late here. I'm at the skate in Ottawa and need to finish with availability and such. Would say a 12:30 start is more likely. But I promise I'll get back and answer everything.
12:23
Alright, back from the room. Let's do this.
Dan
12:24
Players! Coaches! Pairings! Attitude! What seems to be the problem or problems. This team is on a death spiral!
Jason Mackey
12:25
Probably all of it, honestly. Though I disagree they're on a "death spiral." I feel like that's a little harsh. But you don't lose 6 in a row by accident.
Need more depth scoring. Muse isn't without blame, obviously. And a more consistent effort through the end of games. Could write a novel, but I just don't see how you pick one thing.
Mr Ed
12:25
I think this is going to be a long, long, rebuild for the Pens, for a number of reasons. But this is your chat not mine, so for brevity I will focus on where is the top 6 forward talent that will be in this organization two years from now? Top six now mostly are mid-late 30s guys. Kindel, Horcoff, anybody else? Koivunen and McGroarty, 2 goals in 30 games. Early I know, but should at  least see more flashes of scoring touch than we have. Tomasino, nothing. Hallander, good defensive player. Broz can’t crack lineup even with the injuries. Quickly, on D, Pickering still can’t crack this mediocre six. Am I being too pessimistic about the youth in this organization right now?
Jason Mackey
12:27
You might need to look up brevity, Mr. Ed.

I disagree with your premise. I think it's easy to say it's gonna be a long rebuild because they're not playing well. They still have a bunch of picks and prospects. They're not far from a playoff spot.  Have they turned the corner? No. And I can't imagine many thought they did. There's work to do. But I don't think everything is screwed.

It takes time for guys to come up and contribute. Bryan Rust wasn't this version of himself right away. I think you need to give it a little time, although it's also fair to say they need more from that group.
epiballo
12:28
Hi Jason! Thanks for the chats! Shouldn't the expectations for the Pens be tempered by the fact this is a rebuild year? Has their early success skewed how we evaluate this team? It seems they are doing the right things for the long haul.
Jason Mackey
12:29
To a degree, yes. I think we should just try to view this objectively. Did anyone expect them to win the division? I hope not. They're flirting with a playoff spot. That's pretty good. They're also not playing well of late, and there are things they need to correct. That's probably a boring answer, but I don't know how you make a swift, sweeping judgement after 32 games.
THH
12:29
This sale strikes me as having an outside chance that the Board of Governors vote down with the Hoffmans not having the capital it seems to successfully run the team after buying them.  Or do they typically rubber stamp purchases Jason?
Jason Mackey
12:30
They rubber stamp purchases that make sense. My own opinion: I have a hard time believing the Board of Governors would turn it down at this point. I get what you're saying. But it's pretty far down the line. There has been communication with Bettman. I think if those concerns existed, we wouldn't get this far.
epiballo
12:30
Wasn't it more the case that the Oiler offense bailed out a pedestrian game by Jarry? Give up four goals and you usually lose.
Jason Mackey
12:30
Yeah, I don't think he stole them the game or anything. Never said that. It was more the Oilers' speed, skill and power play, IMO.
epiballo
12:30
Do you think the absence of Malkin was a contributing factor in the recent homestead? Do you think the Pens will resign Geno for another season? I have his shirt and I want my wearing it to remain relevant!
Jason Mackey
12:31
Absolutely I do -- but it's obviously not the only reason. There are multiple. We've been over them.

I think it's TBD. Need to see how he comes back, if he stays healthy, if he keeps producing. If those things check out and the Penguins think they're re-signing the early-season version of Malkin, then yes, I do think he comes back.
epiballo
12:31
With Marashov the obvious goalie of the future for the Pens, what is the plan for Blomqvist? He flashed across the scene last year and was sent down. Never hear anything about him. Oh ... and Merry Christmas!!
Jason Mackey
12:32
Merry Christmas! They're both competing for time. I think Blomqvist is behind Murashov. He also stunk up here and would need to change that. If both keep playing well, would also imagine you can pursue a trade. But right now, I think it's in their best interest and ride this out. Would be a great problem to have if you have two guys playing well for one spot.
James the First
12:32
Any insight on how the Hoffmans might amend the Pens rebuild and approach toward the future?
Jason Mackey
12:34
Not yet, James. As you might expect, nobody around the sale is talking much right now. My guesses/speculation:

They could see this as their first big pro sports asset (different than the Everblades, obviously) and push the pedal on a rebuild. Spend more. Instruction Dubas to be more aggressive, etc. The Penguins could do that if they wanted. I also think they might learn more first and learn that Kyle is doing a pretty solid job and to just back the progress being made.

There are off-ice things, as well. Probably more worth the Hoffmann's time. I'm talking about things like ticket prices, in-arena experience, connecting with the fan base, etc.
FirstTimeLongTime
12:35
J-Mac - #2 Center is going to be a hole next year needing filled.  I think it's too much too young to ask of Kindle but even so would need a #3.  Who will be available in free agency to make a splash or if he finishes strong do they bring back Geno (wonderful story but wheels could fall off).  Also when would Horcroff be available to turn pro?
Jason Mackey
12:38
You're down the road a little on me. I'm also getting asked questions about Malkin returning -- and my answer is mostly the same. We just have to wait and see. A lot of moving parts. Need to see more from Kindel. Shoot, even Tommy Novak in the middle. Don't know if that could be something. But just to throw out a few names, even though I don't think there's much validity to it: Schmaltz, Pageau, Zegras?
chuck mac from Houston
12:38
What has happened to the enthusiasm and energy from a month ago.  Or was it just a mirage??
Jason Mackey
12:39
Pretty obvious, Chuck. They were winning more. When Steelers end and if the Penguins are winning again, there'll be excitement. It's easy to ignore hockey during football season. It becomes easier when the team loses 14 of 20 or whatever it's been.
Kris P.
12:39
On the ownership side, this is going to be very bad for us isn't it?  Private Equity means maximizing profits and then selling high and getting out so....  As for the team, is this just now a 3 month waiting game playing veterans on expiring contracts until the deadline and hoping for some more carrots via draft picks?  Isn't this recent funk more reason for Dubas to start looking at moving Rust, Rakell and Karlsson again?  Probably doesn't happen till closer to the deadline, but isn't the goal again, now?
Jason Mackey
12:41
I don't know enough on the ownership side, Kris. I can't reliably say Hoffmann is going to lose money before it buys the team. Feels a little knee-jerk.

Second question: I don't think the Penguins are hoping to trade Rakell & Rust. Even Karlsson. I think that would be a tough sell if they're in a playoff spot, and they trade Jarry, Rust, Rakell and Karlsson. And they want Crosby to stick.

Now, could something come along where it makes long-term sense? Sure. But you would need some sort of present assets back (with term) in a deal.
Jim K in Jax
12:41
If I were Rust, Rakell and a few others, I'd be wondering if I need to contact a realtor... Do you have strong thoughts or feelings about the trading deadline activity or even prior to the trading deadline?
Jason Mackey
12:42
I think best-case scenario is they pull out of this and render those conversations moot. But I don't think Kyle Dubas will do himself any favors by trading those guys without surefire replacements ready. Maybe there's an overwhelming deal for one. But both would be tough.
Jeff Capel
12:42
Are the Penguins hiring? I’ll be out of work soon
Jason Mackey
12:43
Even if they were, not sure about that recent resume.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:43
Good morning/afternoon Jason! Thanks for the chats! How would you approach the goalie situation? Would you let Skinner be your number 1 with either Silovs or Murashov back him up or would you have one of the kids start as number 1 with Skinner backing them up. Personally, I did not like what I saw from Skinner in the net. He does not handle the puck all that well and he let a few soft goals, and his rebound control is suspect. Also, who do you prefer in goal Silovs or Murashov?
Jason Mackey
12:44
I would run with Skinner for a while. A little surprised Silovs is starting tonight, but I think they want to split up the dads' trip, and they also have back-to-back this weekend. Moving forward, I think you need to let Skinner get established and try to find a rhythm. If he plays well, you can trade him. Would think by then Murashov is close or there. And hopefully the team play has improved.
Joe Starkey
12:44
What do you think my sweet boy Limits wants for Christmas?
Jason Mackey
12:44
A driver's license?
MUNKEEFIST
12:44
Is the plan for Murashov to get in a full season in the AHL or might we see him up as the #1 this season? What part will playoff contention play?
Jason Mackey
12:45
I think we could see him up as the No. 1 this season, sure. I think they want to see what they have with Skinner first. Still some development that needs to occur with Murashov first, as well. But I don't think it's crazy to expect him to be the No. 1 at some point.
demosthenes98
12:45
It will probably be years until we know for sure, but...as it stands today, what/who do you think will turn out to be the top return from the Tristan Jarry trade?
Jason Mackey
12:46
Yeah, kinda tough after one game. I'll go with Brett Kulak, though. The kind of veteran defenseman who can still play who'd make sense to keep.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:46
Having Malkin and Lizotte out has really hurt the Pens IMO. Can they get back sooner or later before the Pens fall further out of the playoff race?
Jason Mackey
12:46
Yeah, sounds like not long after Christmas, if then. They need the scoring Malkin was bringing in a bad way.
Jim K in Jax
12:46
Definitely need a shout out to University of Pittsburgh's women's volleyball team, don't we? Vamos!!!!
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