You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 12.6.18
powered byJotCast
Jason Mackey
12:05
Hi folks. Welcome to my weekly Penguins chat. Heading home from the rink now. Feel free to ask whatever, and I'll be back at 1 p.m. to answer. Thanks!
Seattle’s GM
1:00
Can’t wait to own Pittsburgh’s 2021 1st to take on Jack Johnson’s terrible contract!
Jason Mackey
1:01
Well, this one's off to a rousing start ... next a Sprong question, I'm guessing.
Steven
1:01
Did the Penguins submit a claim on either of Zykov or Scherbak that you know of? Also, what will give with the defense when Schultz is back?
Jason Mackey
1:03
I can't say whether they did or didn't. That information isn't very readily available, for whatever reason. ... Interesting second one. I think one of the things with the Pettersson deal is flexibility. I wouldn't be surprised to see GMJR try to move a defenseman at some point, so maybe it takes care of itself. As currently constituted, I think the Penguins D has Dumoulin, Letang, Maatta and Schultz in the top four. Other than that will depend on who's healthy and playing well.
Craig
1:03
Do you think the Pens got a fair return for Sprong? I would've liked a right-handed guy on the back end but I'm alright with the trade. Sprong obviously wasn't going to get the ice time here anyways.
Jason Mackey
1:04
Yeah, I think all things are considered it's about all they could hope for. And I don't blame Rutherford for doing it. The coach isn't going to play the guy. He's only going to get worse, and you're sitting on an asset, however small. Once GMJR figured out that it was just never going to work, a second-round D with some decent upside is pretty good. Hard to be picky about handedness.
Daniel from Anaheim
1:04
We’re you able to watch me be a liability on the ice last night?
Jason Mackey
1:05
I was not. I was able to see you score, though, and take a shot that you never would've taken here for fear of getting benched. Was good to see. Glad you're doing well.
Brian
1:05
Hey Jason, I’m super interested in learning more about Riikola.  What kind of D-man do you think he’ll turn out to be?  What has Gonchar been working with him on to develop his game?
Jason Mackey
1:06
I think Riikola could be very good as well. ... They've been working with him on how quickly he processes the game. Not that he's in capable but more about making plays -- and thinking -- quickly because of the smaller rinks. That and some stick detail.
The Apprentice
1:06
If I could fire all the employees i have personality clashes with, I'd personally be happier, but I'm not sure the organization would be better.  Might this concept need to be discussed with Sullivan?
Jason Mackey
1:07
The guy has won two Stanley Cups in three years doing things "his" way. You can disagree all you want, but I think the balance of hockey fans out there would take Sullivan's way of doing things, even if it means guys like Sprong and Cole have to move on.
james
1:07
Your Christmas wish was answered!  Sprong is gone!  Hopefully this is the last chat where he is all the questions asked
1:08
I can't see how GMJR thinks the goalie situation is good enough. I know they are tight on space but wouldn't a Bras trade give us enough $$ to get JimmyHo?  It would be win-win as Bras needs a new home
Jason Mackey
1:10
First off, it would not. Brassard costs the Penguins $3 million against the cap. Howard would cost $5,291,666 -- unless Detroit took back money. That could complicate factors. Also -- and you don't have to agree with this, I'm just relaying the message -- I don't think the organization has cut bait on seeing if Brassard can work. They still think he can. ... Lastly, the overall cost of acquiring goaltending, and what's coming back, is simply too prohibitive to do anything. Jim tried. There's nothing there that makes sense.
Todd
1:10
Why didn't Daniel Sprong get more of a chance to play? Clearly he is not a 4th line player. Brian Rust gets paid $3.5M a year and he has one goal?  Seems the wrong player was traded.
Jason Mackey
1:11
I'm not going to regurgitate the whole Sullivan thing -- Todd, have you been living under a rock? -- but it's been a Catch 22. Sullivan doesn't trust Sprong and wants to see him earn his way up the lineup. Sprong hasn't been playing with people, or in situations, that are conducive to him doing that. ... I understand the sentiment of trading Rust, but just because you try to do something doesn't mean other teams are going to take him.
RandomHockeyGuy
1:11
Will we ever see Teddy Blueger, Thomas DiPauli, or Adam Johnson get some game at the NHL level this year?  Seems a bit pointless to be carrying 8 defenseman, and, can't say the heavy 4th line of Grant, Sheahan, and Wilson is overwhelming teams at all.  Speed and youth infusion helped win Cups for this team, but someone doesn't seem to want to continue on that path.
Jason Mackey
1:13
Sheahan has a goal in two of four. Grant scored last week in Winnipeg. Not saying they shouldn't get created, but there have actually been a few positions signs. But, yeah, I do think those guys deserve a look. I think they've deserved a look for some time. ... I don't think Johnson is ready, from what I've been told, but the other two -- especially Blueger -- certainly seem to be.
Spoonful of Sugar
1:13
Players such as Fleury were said to have benefited from consulting with a sports psychologist.  Might Sullivan benefit from seeing one to understand how to get along with different characters?
Jason Mackey
1:14
You guys are taking this Sullivan-Sprong thing and making it personal. It's not. Sullivan would deploy a garbage can or a telephone poll if he thought it would do what he wants it to do. ... He's also not the first hockey coach to have his mind made up about a player's ceiling. ... Sullivan is very easy to get along with, and he's hardly the reason the Penguins have struggled, in my opinion.
Swivel
1:14
Does the NHLPA agreement allow a player to challenge the league's decision not to discipline a player?  Those that are disciplined are afforded such protection.  Why not the victims of headshots?
Jason Mackey
1:15
I don't believe it affords that luxury, as it's previously collectively bargained for the NHL Department of Player Safety to take care of that. So, in a sense, they've previously agreed to the arrangement. Can't really appeal your own decision.
Mike
1:15
Sprong debuted for Anaheim last night. Played on the second line and scored a quality goal. Was the sprong trade a mistake and do you think the penguins regret it? Also, petterson did look good on Tuesday I will add.
Jason Mackey
1:16
He did. Very good reach. Active stick. I liked what I saw. Interested to see more. ... It could be a mistake, for sure. If Sprong scores 20 the rest of the way and plays with confidence because he's trusted, etc. ... yeah, they absolutely could regret it.
Rahn
1:17
Will Dave Molinari be doing his terrific prospects feature at Christmas again?
Jason Mackey
1:17
I hope so, Rahn. Thanks for the reminder. I actually need to email Davey about that. And it is excellent. Everything Dave does is.
Birdman
1:17
Why does no one put some respek when they mention Letang's name?
Jason Mackey
FR
1:18
With Simon day-to-day, might this be the chance to bring up another young player like Teddy Blueger?
Jason Mackey
1:19
It could be. They currently have 12 forwards. However, I saw Simon walking around this morning. Don't get the sense it's super serious. But I do think it's time to try Blueger up here and see what he can do. Or Di Pauli, who might be a better option because they could use a wing.
Ryan
1:19
Jason, what's your take on my hit(s) on Washington's Tom Wilson?  Did I go too far?  Or, was I simply giving Wilson what he deserved?  After all, it wasn't my fault Tommy can't secure a chin strap and his helmet flew off.  Miss you guys, but Vegas is great for me!
Jason Mackey
1:20
Hey Reavo. You functioned within the (broken) system the NHL has in place, so I can't say you went too far. I do wish it didn't exist in the first place. I don't want to see your hit the other night, and I don't want to see the 100 Wilson has made before it. ... I wish the NHL would better regulate all of that stuff, whether it's via penalty or suspension. ... Wish we could've used you better here. I think that was a failed experiment on the Penguins' part.
A-Bomb
1:20
J - appreciate your work.  What is the mental state of Murray right now, and how does he look in practice?
Jason Mackey
1:21
Thank you! He looks very good, actually. Although I'm not comfortable evaluating his mental state from 75 yards away or whatever it is. We haven't talked to him, as he's not back with the team. But he does look like he's making quite a bit of progress.
Ken
1:21
Hi Jason just curious what you thought of the Sprong trade? Since he was never going to get a real chance in Pittsburgh I am happy with getting a young defenceman for Gonchar to mold!!
Jason Mackey
1:22
I don't blame GMJR. Sprong wasn't going to work here. Good for Daniel, going to a good fit. Not surprised. Looks to be playing with a lot more confidence. And, yes, I'm with you. Have liked Pettersson quite a bit.
Mario
1:22
Mackey.  What do you want Santa Claus to bring you this Christmas?
Load More Messages
Connecting…