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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 2.1.18
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HB
1:22
Do you know how much longer we have olseiksy for ive really enjoyed watching him play.
Jason Mackey
1:23
He's an RFA after the season. Unless he falls in the Uptown Mystery Hole, the Penguins will be bringing him back.
G:H:
1:23
Hey Jason, first of all thanks for taking the time regularly to chat with all of us. I am from Switzerland and have been a pens fan for almost 30 years now. Finally next year I will try to make a visit to a regualr season game.
Jason Mackey
1:23
My pleasure. Thank you for taking time out of your day to participate.
G:H:
1:23
can you recommend a place to stay where Pittsburgh offers the most fun for tourists and also which opponent you would recommend in terms of good athmosphere? Thanks in advance!
Jason Mackey
1:23
I would go with the Marriott City Center (across from the rink) or Renaissance. Those are my two favorites in the city; I also never leave the Marriott family.
HB
1:23
Filip gustavsson was voted best goalie at the world juniors so this Murray Jarry desmith gustavsson goalie debate in two years is going to be fun
Jason Mackey
1:24
Oh, I can't wait. Hopefully we'll still be talking about Letang, Reaves and the pursuit of a third-line center.
Cole Harbour
1:24
Next year would the pens be better with Hornqvist and Cole minus Letang considering salary cap restraints?
Jason Mackey
1:24
It's irrelevant because they're not trading Kris Letang. That's like debating the merits of Christmas in June.
HB
1:24
Do you think at the Penguins expense the pirates could use Jim Rutherford to be the gm and could the Steelers can use mike Sullivan as the new coach?
Jason Mackey
1:25
I think the Pirates could use Ron Burkle and Mario Lemieux as co-owners, to have people in charge who want to win and spend the money necessary do that. If Neal Huntington had a real budget to work with, then we could evaluate his moves on an apples-to-apples basis. As it is, he's having to make a gourmet dinner while shopping at Dollar General. It's a big ask.
Pens4Life
1:26
Jason, are you required by management to facilitate these chats? Just curious if you’re required to because you genuinely enjoy them, while others like Ed and Gerry clearly despise them and wouldn’t do them if they weren’t forced to.
Jason Mackey
1:27
They encourage us to do them. They don't force it on us. You're right. I do love doing them. I understand why people don't, believe me, but I like interacting with you guys and gals. If you guys didn't care what I thought about things, that would suck. It's an honor to be asked.
Pens4Life
1:27
Why do you think Phil enjoys it here and is so loved… but was reviled in Toronto? Is it because players like Sid and Geno take most of the spotlight and leave him to do his thing?
Jason Mackey
1:27
That's a big part, although Phil did like parts of Toronto; he still spends a decent amount of time there. But I do think he likes the media drill better. He rarely has to deal with us. Not like that in Toronto.
Pens4Life
1:27
Have you had a chance to talk with Murray? How are his spirits?
Jason Mackey
1:28
I have. A few times. They're good, but he's understandably not completely over it. He also wants to bury himself in his work, which I can respect. Have said this many times, but Matt Murray is really a tremendous human being. He's handling this in an amazing way.
Pens4Life
1:28
Great insight on what this organization does to support its players in times of need. Can you name some teams you’ve heard from other players who aren’t exactly as kind and sympathetic?
Jason Mackey
1:29
I can't. Sorry. I don't have that type of firsthand knowledge. All I know about the Penguins is an over-arching philosophy that they WHATEVER THEY CAN to take care of players, at times to a crazy degree. Money is never, ever an object. They take pride in taking care of
(read: spoiling) their players. And they do a great job of it.
Pens4Life
1:29
Why send Sprong down after such a short stint? He seemed to be doing well.
Jason Mackey
1:30
Needs to learn how to bring the same stuff night in and night out. First four games were great, then he disappeared. They're not in the business of gifting roster spots. Mr. Sprong has plenty of talent. He also has a decent amount to learn. That's what that was.
Pens4Life
1:30
Your gut feeling: Does Cullen return?
Jason Mackey
1:30
Yes.
Jim
1:30
What's your take on bringing in a third line center for depth?  I like the prospect of acquiring JG Pageau from Ottawa or maybe even bring back mark Letestu from the Oilers.   Pageau is young and has shown good scoring touch earlier in his career.  His production has dipped this season but he is on a very bad team.  Sully seems hell-bent on moving Cole so there should be cap space.
Jason Mackey
1:31
I like Pageau a lot. I think he plays the type of game that would fit very well within the Penguins' system. Don't know what the ask is, though, and I'm worried Ottawa wants a lot, maybe too much. Letestu would be an option. Not my first pick, but I wouldn't hate it. I feel like it's more of a Band-Aid than a potential player that can grow with the team and develop into something.
August West
1:32
Can you ballpark what it would take to land Evander Kane? is it really worth it? I mean, trade deadline signings sure add excitement but this team was 9-3 in January and +18 in goals scored. Also, do we really need a 3rd line center that badly? JSD and Sheahan appear to be helping this team, not hurting. Cullen is the only guy that really makes sense and would come cheap I imagine. In addition, we have an extra defenseman who will not be back. Why not get an asset or two for him and stay the course, save for maybe adding Cullen? Getting Cullen back on the cheap and gaining an asset or two for an extra defenseman who will not be back just seems to make the most sense for a cup run and the future.
Jason Mackey
1:34
Love the name, August. ...  I love my Pearly Baker best more than my wine ... Kane would be something like NHL ready player + top-tier prospect + first-round pick + secondary pick/prospect. So, no, in my opinion, it would not be worth it. He's also not a center. I don't think they're existing centers offer enough offense. They also don't bring out the best in Phil Kessel, which is important. I'd get Cullen because, as you said, he'll come cheap (maybe a third, I'm thinking) and would mean a lot in the room.
guest
1:34
That would be great if they were able to bring Cullen back. He could be the missing piece this team needs.  Would that alleviate the need for a third line center?
Jason Mackey
1:35
I don't think. Cullen would be a 4C. It would mean committing to Riley Sheahan or using Sheahan as a potential trade piece. They've also said that Sheahan could play the wing. Worst-case, I guess they could do that.
H.S.
1:35
I read with interest your article regarding the two Swedish forwards.  I play out west and am in the final year of my contract, as is a "friend" I'll refer to as Twin.  We were wondering if there would be any interest in trading for us?  Or perhaps simply trading for me would be okay for a short time.  I'm willing to play center or wing, and I'll have no problem communicating with Hagelin and Horqvist.  Can you help me?
Jason Mackey
1:35
Sorry, Henrik. No dice. And it was Sam Werner who wrote the article. Had heard you didn't want to leave VAN? What gives?
guest
1:35
I feel so bad for Murray on the loss of his father.  People forget he is just a 23 year old kid.  I hope he knows how much Pens fans are behind him and appreciate him.
Jason Mackey
1:35
I will make sure to relay that comment to him. He'll appreciate it.
1:38
Hi Rusty. Yes, I think you're entitled to earn a "Sheary-like salary." I think that's fair. I like your speed, penalty killing, offense, versatility and big-game performances. $3 million over three sounds more than fair.
Rusty
1:39
I know i'm really popular with fans and the media around here.  GMJR has made me an offer.  Based on how fans locally seem to assess my talents,  I think I'm worth way more.  However, I'm not sure how the rest of the NHL views me.  Do you really think I am worth a contract greater than 1.2 million a year?  Pittsburgh fans have me thinking I'm entitled to a Sheary-like salary, even though my value is basically as a fourth line winger.  Please advise.
Dave
1:39
While it appears that the pens are finally starting to show signs of life, this team is STILL a legitimate 3rd line center and a depth type winger from making a serious cup run...does JR deal Maata for a center even if it’s going to be a rental situation? After all, it’s all about winning now.
Jason Mackey
1:39
If it's about winning, GMJR should and will keep Maatta. He's been their most consistent defenseman, and he makes less than $4 million. The Trade Olli Maatta Ship sailed a long time ago, Dave.
BennyD
1:39
I love reading Sullivan’s comments on Malkin and how separating him from Kessel makes 71 more of a shooter and the Pens deeper.  Couldn’t agree more— question: will Sully try to stick with this plan and get some line continuity regardless of whether or not GMJR acquires a 3C?  thnx
Jason Mackey
1:40
I think so. If GMJR gets, say, Pageau, I think he goes next to Phil and maybe Guentzel. Sully has liked the roles everyone has fallen into. That bumps Sheahan to the fourth line, and that's fine -- assuming Sheahan isn't involved in the trade. But yes, I think Sully and everyone would like to see some more continuity.
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