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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 2.15.18
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Guest
12:50
Jason, Rutherford's comments on a podcast yesterday now sound like he's going after a big fish and not a minor move. Do you agree? What do you think the chances are that they can trade for Brassard without giving up the farm? Do you think that's their target?
Jason Mackey
12:51
You are asking me about comments I have not heard and provided no link. Wouldn't be smart to comment on it. I have written and said, and will continue to write and say, that I believe the Penguins are going to pursue a fourth-line center at the trade deadline.
Guest
12:51
To make any sort of move for a higher end player at the deadline, the Pens will need to send out salary. Who do you think the team may move off the roster? I always think Sheary is redundant. He's a good player but for what he makes, there are cheaper replacements like Simon, Aston-Reece, Sprong. Do you agree and do you think the Pens may be looking to move Sheary for cap space before the deadline?
Jason Mackey
12:52
I don't think they would be against it, but it's not always that easy. Sheary isn't having a great year. He's really only valuable in a top-six capacity. Doesn't kill penalties. Not a No. 1 power play guy. Not great defensively. You want to move him. OK. But what's the market? There's likely a difference here between want and able.
Pinkie Pie
12:52
With the college signing process nearing, are there any prospective youngsters you see the Penguins signing? They seem to have found some good guys through that recently (Guentzel 2 years ago and Aston-Reese last year)...
Jason Mackey
12:53
I do not, I'm sorry. Not something that comes up in conversations right now. More of a focus on the NHL trade deadline.
guest
12:53
How fun was the dad's trip for the players?  Did most father's get to attend?  What bad timing of that trip for poor Murray, glad he got to find something positive to do based on your article.
Jason Mackey
12:54
It really was. These guys love it. ... The players and the dads, I guess. It's neat that the dads all seem to genuinely enjoy being around one another, but I think it's cool for the players to show their fathers how they live. The Penguins do a tremendous job with this trip. I do think it would be neat to alternate, though. One year, dads. Next year, moms.
B in Va
12:54
Hi Jason! first you ARE The Man! Just dont understand why 12 and 43 keep getting so much playing time while Sprong stays in Wilks. yes they are both fast skaters and hard workers but you needa finisher to play with Sid and neither one of those have any hands or scoring touch at all.12 would be great on the 4th line but dont understand Sheary's continued playing time......your thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:56
Well, I would think trade deadline here. If the Penguins want flexibility or want to pursue something, Sheary probably would be the guy to go. If he's going to produce -- which you need him to do -- you have to play him with Sid. ... And, really, the best way to use him all the time is with Sid, IMO. ... As for Sprong, I sort of get it. He was inconsistency. Simon has been fine. Let him develop more. But they do need to give him another chance soon.
Pens4Life
1:01
The Steelers just reworked a couple contracts to create cap space. Can NHL teams do the same? In order to sign Horny, could, say, Sid and Geno take a lower salary and receive a higher signing bonus instead to make room?
Jason Mackey
1:01
No, they cannot. To borrow a Tomlinism, the contracts are the contracts. They could buy those guys out, but I'm not sure I see that happening.
Pens4Life
1:01
Jason – You seem like someone who genuinely loves his job. Besides mingling with the players and coaches daily and covering a sport you love, what are some other aspects of it that keep you excited when you get out of bed in the morning?
Jason Mackey
1:03
Good question. ... One of my favorite parts of this job has nothing to do with hockey. It's learning about a subject, talking to him/her/all involved parties, taking that information and weaving a narrative. Frankly, I wish I got to do it more. ... I also like seeing different parts of the country that I wouldn't otherwise see. ... Third would probably be the ability to write something that people read and talk about. I think that's such a neat concept. But you're right. I do really, really love my job.
Pens4Life
1:03
What is the support like from the other teams in the ‘Burgh? I remember when the Pens won in ’09, Casey Hampton, Keisel and some other Steelers were seen at the Igloo going nuts for them. Do Pirates players and current Steelers display similar support, and do any Pens reciprocate for the Bucs and Steelers?
Jason Mackey
1:04
I know several football players have gotten into hockey, probably Ryan Shazier chief among them. Cam Heyward, too. ... All the Penguins follow the Steelers, especially Sidney Crosby. Huge football fan. Most hockey players like football, and the Penguins are off many Sundays. GMJR knows several folks in the Pirates front office and really admires Clint Hurdle. Not much crossing between players, though.
Pens4Life
1:04
Saw Sam’s piece, but how are jersey numbers decided? I’ve read about some players getting to choose, but others are assigned by the organization. Sid got to pick 87 when he was a rookie, but I see others just take what teams gives them. Does it vary by organization?
Jason Mackey
1:05
It also varies by stature. Sid could pick. A seventh-round pick probably not so much.
Pens4Life
1:05
Do you sense from JR that because the team has gelled and is playing so well, maybe not tempt fate and make any major changes by the 26th?
Jason Mackey
1:05
I think that's a very real possibility, although I know Jim would like to upgrade his 4C spot.
Pens4Life
1:05
Likelihood of Jarry making a start any time soon?
Jason Mackey
1:05
He'll play either Saturday against Toronto or Sunday in Columbus. It's Murray tonight.
MrHockey007
1:05
Been listening to Mike Lange since 74. And it dawned on me I've never seen him with a playoff beard. Has he ever had one? Will he ever grow one? Go Pens!
Jason Mackey
1:06
He has not. Nor would he ever. That's not Mikey's style. He's a broadcaster. That's a players things. Mikey is old school. Believe he shaves before every game.
HB
1:06
discourage violence?
Jason Mackey
1:07
Won't be off the opening faceoff -- Reaves won't be out there, Crosby's line will -- but I do think it happens at some point in the first period. He's not out there to "discourage violence" like a hippie or something like that. He's there to protect teammates. You may disagree on whether that works or is necessary and that's fine. But I wouldn't say "discourage violence."
HB
1:08
So does reaves fight dustin brown right of the bat or is he just there to
Copall
1:08
Even before the season began, you were confident that the Pens would target Sheahan to fill their 3rd center spot, and that Sheahan would turn out to be a good fit. Wasn't sure at first what you saw in his game to think he could contribute, but lately, I've been thinking, "good call Mackey".
Jason Mackey
1:08
Thanks. I don't know about before the season. But early on I did write that. Sheahan's a smart player. I'm not surprised that he has figured it out. Or that it has taken a little bit of time. Took Bonino a little bit, too, if I remember corrrectly.
1:09
correctly*
Copall
1:09
Pens seem to have cured much of what ailed them earlier in the season. However, still don't have a winning record on the road (only team in East in a playoff position to lose more than win on the road). Think this past weekend showed that they are getting over their road woes?
Jason Mackey
1:09
Sort of. I just think they're getting interested again. They're caring when it matters. I don't think it's relative to being at home or on the road. They're just playing better hockey overall.
Copall
1:09
Can't imagine Pens trying to sign Rust to an extension before they know what is going to happen with Hornqvist after the end of the season. At the same time, can the Pens afford to let Rust test the market?
Jason Mackey
1:10
Rust is an RFA. He can't test the market. They will qualify him, of course. And you're right. Have to know what Hornqvist costs, but I don't envision them letting Rust get away. They like him too much.
HB
1:10
I trust the pens development staff but I look at as sprong a Tyler Glasgow who dominated the minors but can’t find consistency in the “majors” so having him play in wbs doesn’t help him because we know he can play there he needs to be playing in the nhl to develop further at this point. What do you think?
Jason Mackey
1:11
Sprong has been up once this year. I'm not counting 2014-15 because Mike Johnston was the coach and miscast him on the fourth line. I'd pump the brakes on the Tyler Glasnow comparisons. This is all normal.
Dan
1:11
If you had to pick a tradesble player you could add to current lineup who would it be ?? I vote for Pacioretty would be awesome on Crosby’s wing !!
Jason Mackey
1:11
Sure. Why not? If we're going to ignore reality, why don't we just bring in McDavid? He'd look great.
HB
1:11
Do you think Carter rowney finishes the season as the pens 4th line center?
Jason Mackey
1:12
I don't. But I think he could finish the season as a fourth-line wing. I think they'll upgrade that spot.
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