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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 1.24.19
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RandomHockeyGuy
1:14
Do you see GMJR making a move before the bye week/ASG week ends?  Schultz seems to be on pace to possibly return next week.
Jason Mackey
1:14
Next week is a little soon. He's yet to join the team for practice. I suppose later in the week, sure, but it's far from certain. I'm thinking more early February. As such, I think GMJR can afford to wait a little longer, and I think he will.
JohnAl
1:14
Do you have a sense if Bill Guerin is being legitimately considered for the Edmonton GM role?
Jason Mackey
1:15
It certainly seems like, from everything I've read, they're looking at other options. I don't pretend to know the inner-working of the Oilers -- I'm not sure the Oilers know the inner-workings of the Oilers -- but it sure doesn't seem like Billy has a chance there.
Dave
1:15
Jason, thanks for the chat. Now that Murray is back to himself, do you think the reason Casey has struggled is the defense knows Murray will bail them out more often? They leave Casey out to dry.
Jason Mackey
1:16
My pleasure, Dave. I don't think that's the reason. I think Casey has struggled because ... well, he's struggled. Yes, the defense was bad Saturday in Vegas. Not all Casey's fault. But he's let in some softies, mis-played the puck some. Just isn't doing some of the stuff that he did before that made him so successful.
Feeds
1:16
If the Pens make a deal for a sandpaper type player like Ferland, Kreider, Wood, Virtanen.. whoever... do the see the Pens sending Wilson down and bringing Blueger up?
Jason Mackey
1:18
I don't know if Blueger's recall will be related to any sort of acquisition, but it has been sort of mystifying that he hasn't gotten a chance. Yes, I think there's a chance what you suggested could happen, but let's not paint Chris Kreider here -- whom I don't think the Penguins will get -- to be Ryan Reaves or anything. The Penguins really seem to like Garrett Wilson. Over pretty much anybody, too. It's just a weird situation. I know I'm jumping around here, but it feels like it's gonna take an act Congress -- probably a bad analogy now -- to get Teddy Blueger up here.
Dave
1:19
What do you think the coaches need to do to get Malkin to stop doing drop passes that get picked off and his easy turnovers at the blue line? I love Geeno like but he makes us fans nuts at times!!
Jason Mackey
1:19
I can see why. Believe me, they've talked to him. A lot. I think you are seeing some of the remedy: put Geno with Phil, and let Phil do some of the puck-handling. Tell Geno to make himself available and shoot the puck.
Dave
1:20
Jason, if the Pens trade Brassard I don't think they will get value for him as he's diminished since being in PItt. What do you think?
Jason Mackey
1:20
I don't think they're worried about "return." The value for them will be the money to spend on another third-line center. Yes, it will imply losing the trade, but they're not in a position to worry about that. They need more from their 3C spot, simple as that.
Clementine
1:20
Jason, if Barry Trotz traded places with BB Sullivan, do you think the Pens record would be better or worse?  Do you think the Islanders record would be better or worse?   Why?
Jason Mackey
1:22
Who's BB Sullivan? I honestly don't think you would see a dramatic shift either way. I think some of the issues Sullivan deals with are Penguins-player-related issues. Toe Blake would probably encounter them. (You know, assuming he was still alive and all.) Meanwhile, Sullivan is a terrific coach, too. I think he might have the Islanders playing differently, but I still think he could get something good out of that roster.
Dave
1:22
Jason, live in Cincy and coming to the Blues game March 16th. I grew up in south Hills but can you recommend what to do pre-game as we're in section 206?
Jason Mackey
1:24
Good question ... maybe Buford's across the street. Always decent atmosphere over there. You'd also enjoy some of the newer/casual restaurants downtown. Try Tako or Pork & Beans and take the T back to the rink.
Christian
1:24
Jason,  what’s your scouting report on  Ferland?
Jason Mackey
1:27
Terrific player this year. Would absolutely help them. Physical. Can fight. Can play the type of rough-and-tumble game they could use more of. Would probably slot in with Malkin. Worry about his sign-ability after this year, although I suppose you cross that bridge when you come to it. Do the Canes want Brassard? Would worry about that much. If they're cool with Brassard and a first, I would absolutely do it.
guest
1:27
Was Letang happy to get named to the All Star game?  Or would he have rather had some rest?
Jason Mackey
1:28
He seemed happy when we talked to him about making it in Anaheim. He will also have gotten five days of rest, as he's apparently not going to be here for media day tonight. So, I think he's kind of getting both is what I'm saying.
guest
1:28
Were you surprised DeSmith signed that contract extension?  I thought he might try to go be a starter somewhere else.
Jason Mackey
1:29
I was very surprised. Yes, I thought the play for him would be to keep going, rely on the numbers I put up and see what someone else offers. That said, I don't blame the kid for taking the certainty that a deal like that offers.
KJ
1:29
How are road room mates determined? Left up to the players to decide with whom they want to room on the road?
Jason Mackey
1:30
They usually try to group forwards and defensemen together. And some guys have their preferences -- Sid always wants Guentzel (previously Kunitz) on his left, etc. Sometimes there's no rhyme or reason.
JB
1:30
I assume that I'll be the 1,743rd person asking a Derick Brassard-themed question, but...assuming that the Pens are interested in moving him, is it possible that we're all thinking along the wrong lines in terms of what would be the best-case scenario for a return?  I mean...we seem to be thinking "established third line center, likely a rental of some kind or a guy that doesn't have much contract term."  But instead, maybe they should be thinking about a guy like Alex Kerfoot in Colorado (the 'Lanche supposedly has at least some interest in Brasssard)?  Younger player, can play and produce with skilled linemates but Colorado is playing him with Wilson/Jost/Compher, there'd be some contract control, etc.  You'd probably have to offer more than Brassard straight up, and he's by no means an established faceoff/penalty killing horse, but it might be worth it if someone in that general mold is available...?
Jason Mackey
1:31
Yeah, I think they would consider a lot of options for Brassard. I think they would also consider moving him for picks/prospects and trying to use a defenseman (Oleksiak), Jarry and something else to get a third-line center. I think you could get an established guy or a bit of a project, I suppose. Would depend on cost, fit, etc.
Gordo
1:31
In your opinion Mackey why haven't we seen Teddy Blueger or Anthony Angello? There was an article on Dejan Kovcevic's site about what Angello can bring and Matt V from the PG did a nice piece on Blueger yesterday.  Sounds like both can add pieces like physicality and depth scoring.  I'm not high on Garrett Wilson and would like to see other WBS players get a chance.
Jason Mackey
1:33
I think they're worried about rushing Blueger and destroying the progress he's made. I also think they want to play him at center when he gets up here, because that's where he's most comfortable, and that job isn't open with the NHL club right now. I also think they really like Garrett Wilson, whether you agree or not with that. ... I think Blueger should get a chance. I think he deserves it, and I think it would be smart for them to know what they have in him.
guest
1:33
since you are on the fan more now... can you please please please ask them to talk more Pens and less AB :)
Jason Mackey
1:34
I will try. This isn't a commentary on the Fan, just my personal opinion, but man am I over the AB garbage. I'm fine taking a back seat to Steelers during the season. But it's hockey time now. Enough with the knucklehead receiver.
FR
1:34
Why does JR or the powers that be have to be involved in any trades?  One season Sullivan turned to Rust, Sheary, and Kuhnackl.  Is Sullivan gun shy about giving the WBS players a shot?
Jason Mackey
1:35
I don't think gun shy is the right term, but there's a dynamic at play here that happens a lot with hockey coaches. Sullivan saw those guys so he KNOWS they can play. Well, so can Blueger and others, but Sullivan probably doesn't feel the same way about them. It's all about trusting and earning it. No, it's not fair. But it's also not terribly unique.
Teddy Blueger
1:35
Why don't the Pens want to give me a shot in the NHL? I'm having a really good season.
Jason Mackey
1:35
I'm not sure, Teddy.
BBP
1:35
Interest in Michael Ferland? Is this true? What is your take if the Pens are interested?
Jason Mackey
1:36
They are. But you should be mindful that GMJR shows interest in a lot of guys. He's VERY active with that stuff. Just his style.
guest
1:36
We have found out the hard way before that defensemen are precious commodities.  Is there any way to keep all of them by working with sending some to WB given that Rudwedal will be gone after this year and injuries always happen?  I would not trade Maatta for sure.
Jason Mackey
1:37
They can send Riikola down. That gets them to eight. But it's hard to manage eight, honestly. And also, think of it this way: Oleksiak is a potential asset in that other teams would want him. You're burning that while in win-now mode. Jim knows that. It's a risk, sure, but having a safety net like that is a luxury, not the norm.
Hornsby Bruce
1:37
Did you like my work with the GD? Most deadheads think I was a fine addition.
Jason Mackey
1:37
I do, yes. Very much.
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