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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 2.15.18
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BennyD
1:12
I’m feeling better about the Pens lineup.  A depth center still seems important, but to me it looks like the biggest question heading into the playoffs is: will Matt Murray return to form when the stakes are highest?  He has done it before but has looked inconsistent this season.  Agree or disagree?
Jason Mackey
1:13
I don't know about you, Benny, but I'm pretty much fine with the way Murray has played since he returning from the passing of his father. He's been great. He needs to prove he can stay healthy, I'll agree there, but his play has been really good of late. No concerns there.
HB
1:13
How much longer is hornqvist out for I saw sam tweet he was skating this morning?
Jason Mackey
1:13
He skates this morning. Second day on the ice for him. Maybe another week or so.
Matt
1:13
Since the WBS Baby Pens forwards are proving to be NHL-ready, do you think that the Pens would be wrong to trade them away for forward help?
Jason Mackey
1:14
No. I would definitely listen on Simon, Sprong or ZAR, if that's who you're talking about. Even Blueger. I just question how much that would net you. Probably not much, to be honest.
BennyD
1:14
two seasons ago the Pens won the Cup with unrelenting speed and scoring depth.  last season seemed like it was their will to win and grind it out attitude.  could this season be the specialty teams Cup where the Pens win on the strength of their PP and PK?
Jason Mackey
1:14
I don't know about that. It surely doesn't hurt, but there's not as much special teams in the playoffs. Have to win other ways and check the boxes you mentioned previously. The speed and scoring depth has come back in 2018 for the Penguins. Very important there.
Matt
1:14
Do you expect Aston-Reese to see time on the PP tonight?
Jason Mackey
1:15
I do. Probably the second unit. Expect Guentzel on the first.
RandomHockeyGuy
1:16
Hi Jason.  What are you hearing lately on the trade front?  Yesterday Rutherford was on Canadian radio with Sportnet's Jon Shannon talking about being willing to mortgage the future now with the window they have, and made mention for a likely rebuild needed in 4-5 years.  Sure sounds like he's trying to pull off something like a Brassard trade.
Jason Mackey
1:18
Thank you for actually referencing the report/radio show you're talking about. I know Shannon is reputable. Gives different, better context. Anyway ... here's how I took that: GMJR is exploring all options. He would be open to a Brassard deal, no doubt, but it won't be easy. I also don't think it's likely. But he's not going to rule anything out. He'll talk to teams, see who's interested, etc. They like Brassard. I can tell you that. But there's some imperfect math to work out here with cap hits. Most likely I've heard is adding a fourth-line center and being OK with Sheahan. That could obviously change quickly, but I think that's the most likely scenario at this point.
Ralph
1:18
I listened to JR radio show yesterday and JR sounded like a guy getting ready to make some big moves.  I got the vibe that's he about to go all in, Do you get that same feel?
Jason Mackey
1:19
I think he's ready to do something. Jim has generally done a deadline-type move by now, and he's had to sit on his hands. That's not easy. Do I think he's about to make a blockbuster trade? No, I don't.
Erik
1:19
The two interviews GMJR did yesterday revealed to me that he's got an "all-in" approach.  He specifically cited "a rough 4-5 year window of opportunity" "willingness to move futures is in play" "make multiple trades to create cap space" -- Did you catch the interviews and what did you make of them?
Jason Mackey
1:20
The Penguins are 13-4-1 with the team they have since Jan. 1. Along with Boston, they're among the best two teams in hockey. Folks, do we really think GMJR is pushing to reinvent the wheel here? They have a good thing going.
Hank
1:20
Love reading your articles,
Jason Mackey
1:20
Thanks, Hank. Something tells me you hit "Send" a little too soon.
Steven
1:20
Any update on the 4C hunt? Might Nick Shore still be in play even though he just went to the Sens?
Jason Mackey
1:20
I think they can do better than Nick Shore.
Hank
1:20
what are the odds of Sheary getting traded at the deadline?
Jason Mackey
1:21
Would say not great. You're selling low. Said this before. He's not having a great year. Defense lacks. Really only a top-six guy ... and even then it's questionable. I like Sheary. I think he could be a really productive player for the Penguins. But trading him now -- for what likely wouldn't be much -- doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
Erik
1:22
I don't get the sense GMJR thinks adding a center like Cullen, Letestu, etc. is enough. He seems like he really wants to real in a big center, and is willing to pay the price.  If it costs 1st/Sprong, assuming OTT/PIT work out cap implications, maybe Hunwick goes to OTT, or Cole shipped out in separate deal, does PIT do it? I don't think OTT will be able to get the asking price of 3 pieces, sellers never get their ask.
Jason Mackey
1:22
They're not going to trade Cole. If someone would take Hunwick, they'd gladly do it. But Hunwick, Sprong and a first probably isn't netting you Brassard. You've also have to ask Ottawa to basically take back half of Brassard's salary. Can't imagine that'll be the best offer they get.
Guest
1:22
Hi Jason. Can I get a blown up copy of the picture you're using as the header this week?
Jason Mackey
1:23
Of Crosby? You can purchase it the same way you would purchase any picture from the PG. I can't send it to you personally.
Erik
1:23
Are you less confident that PIT gets Cullen?  With Wild uptick in play recently and the West as wide open as it is, doesn't seem logical to move him from their perspective?  Bruce B also acknowledge how well Cullen has been playing, his ice time is up, and that this is "his time of year" -- on the flip side, GMJR seems willing to go much bigger based off recent interviews.
Jason Mackey
1:24
I'm the same on Cullen. It's so tight. They could lose a couple games and be in a completely different spot. The Wild, to me, have enough depth and done really need Cullen; I think these past few games are an aberration, to be honest. And I would expect Boudreau to say nothing but that publicly.
A
1:24
Jason, in your 20 Thoughts after the All-Star Game, you expressed  how irritating you find not only PK Subban, but also the league's focus on using him to market the sport. I'm curious how you feel about Patrick Kane, and his regular appearances in promotions for league events and national broadcasts.
Jason Mackey
1:25
Not as irritating as Subban, I'll say that. What I don't like about Subban is that it's a pure show. When there's nothing there that he can benefit from, he's a totally different guy. Dour. Annoyed you're bothering him. The persona you see that the NHL pumps up so much is fake.
Smith
1:25
Any interest in Brassard or is Ottawa willing to send him to the pens?
Jason Mackey
1:25
There's interest, but I can't say how serious it is or a trade is likely to occur.
John
1:27
Would you be surprised if GMJR makes no trades at all?
Jason Mackey
1:27
A little bit. I think he'll do something. I wouldn't be shocked if it was subtle.
Smith
1:27
Do you think reaves will have a regular spot in the playoffs? I really hate how Sully insists on having Rowney, Kuhnackl AND reaves on the 4th line. A line like that does absolutely nothing.
Jason Mackey
1:28
It really does. I don't get that. I don't think that will stick for the postseason. I think it depends on the matchup with Reaves. CBJ or WSH, yes. TB or TOR, no.
Steven
1:28
Do you think ZAR is making a solid argument to stay up full time? He's not dynamic, but he looks extremely similar to how he played in WBS up in the NHL. He hasn't struggled with the stronger players especially.
Jason Mackey
1:29
I think ZAR is making an impression. When Hornqvist comes back, Blueger will go down. After that, I still think it's ZAR. Tonight, of course, could change all that. Big opportunity for him playing with Crosby.
Phil K
1:29
If NHL players were allowed to participate in the Olympics this year and Mike Sullivan coached team USA, would he have placed me on the team?  I have a feeling he would have opted for Rust instead.
Jason Mackey
1:29
Ha. You would've been playing, buddy. Regardless of the coach.
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