You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 5.31.18
powered byJotCast
View Full Chat Next Page
Jason Mackey
12:35
Hi folks. Happy Thursday. In the office today, so I figured let's have a chat. Will be back at 1 p.m. to answer all of your questions. As always, thanks for hanging out here.
1:11
Alright, let's do this. Sorry for my tardiness. Was chatting with Linda Parker, the P-G's administrative assistant to the editors, the World's Nicest Person and perhaps the biggest Marc-Andre Fleury fan on the planet. So, anyway, let's do this ...
Jaden Parker
1:11
Is Sidney Crosby the Flyer's daddy?
Jason Mackey
1:12
I don't know who the Flyer is. (Michel Therrien, is that you?) Thus, I can't confirm whether Sidney Crosby is his/her daddy.
Katie Rodgers
1:12
SID IS MY DADDY
Jason Mackey
1:12
This is not accurate. Sid does not actually have kids.
Jaden Parker
1:12
Should Phil Kessel stay in Pittsburgh?
Jason Mackey
1:14
It depends. If GMJR gets a substantial trade off, I think it would be smart business to trade him. But if GMJR doesn't, then, no; I think the Penguins are better off keeping Phil than they are selling for well below market value. Kessel is a very good player coming off an excellent year -- playoffs not withstanding. He's still very useful. But I could see the reasoning for moving him given how high some might perceive his stock to be right now.
Katie Rodgers
1:14
Does Sidney Crosby like BTS?
Jason Mackey
1:14
What is BTS?
John
1:14
The Penguins have been linked to Max Domi. Would Arizona be on Kessel's list due to the Tocchet connection? And would a package around Domi + 5th overall be something the Penguins would consider for Kessel?
Jason Mackey
1:15
I can't imagine Kessel would go somewhere like Arizona -- where there's not much environment for hockey, he'd make no more money than he does now, and there's zero chance to win a Stanley Cup -- but the deal would make plenty of sense from the Penguins' perspective. I think Max Domi would be a tremendous fit for them. I just don't see Phil agreeing to it.
Steven
1:16
Has Rutherford had meetings with any of the RFAs agents to your knowledge?
Jason Mackey
1:16
Yes. Those are ongoing. I would expect all of the NHL guys to return.
1:17
Just as aside, guys: We're done with the "daddy" stuff. It's non-productive and has run its course. Those questions in the queue won't be pushed through. Thanks, management.
Matt
1:17
Did the 3rd-line center sweepstakes and backup goalie misfires cause the Penguins to lose focus on team speed and defense? Making repeated deals for the same position seems to prevent other deals being made.
Jason Mackey
1:18
Eh, I don't know if I'm comfortable going that far, Matt. I know the Niemi and Hunwick signings weren't good. I'm not defending them. But I thought Jarry/DeSmith was fine in that role, probably better and cheaper anything else they could've done. The Hunwick signing wasn't great, but I don't think it made them any slower. It brought in Chad Ruhwedel, who is still a decent skater. The Penguins weren't good enough defensively, sure, but I'm not sure the moves cost them too much in terms of team speed.
Joe
1:18
The rumors around town are that the Pens are trying to trade Phil.  Do you believe those rumors are true?
Jason Mackey
1:19
Trying to and being willing to are two totally different things. And I think that's what has kind of been misconstrued. They're open to it. But if the deal isn't there, that's OK as well.
Rachel P.
1:19
What is the likeliness that the majority of the RFAs get resigned? If not who most likely will not return as a Penguin?
Jason Mackey
1:21
It's very likely. If someone goes, I'd say it's Dominik Simon, believe it or not, or Tom Kuhnhackl. But again, that's only because you're asking me "most likely." I still think all the NHL guys return.
Joe
1:21
You called the Riley Sheahan rumors last year Jason, have you heard any names mentioned with the Pens this year?
Jason Mackey
1:22
Thank you. Was tipped off well-ahead of when it happened, which is why I wrote it could possibly be tied to Andreas Athanasiou. ... No names yet. Still kind of early for that sort of stuff.
Dan
1:22
Hey Jason… Despite GMJR’s comments about the goaltending situation do you feel they’ll make a run at KIM Ward on a one year deal cheap?
Jason Mackey
1:23
Assuming you mean Cam Ward? ... No, I don't. I think they're going to stay internal with that. I also think Carolina is going to want to keep Ward around. He was actually pretty good for them last season.
Dan
1:23
Jason what do you make of the Max Domi rumors?
Jason Mackey
1:23
I have no reason to believe they're wrong, but I also have a tough time believing Arizona would do that. Coyotes seem pretty resolute in their rebuilding plan. Trading Max Domi, to me, would shoot that in the foot.
Jim Butterford
1:23
All signs point to Pens letting Rowney walk as a UFA, where do you think Rowney ends up signing? I imagine it would be another two way contract.
Jason Mackey
1:24
Yes, I think they'll let him walk. He's going to need a slower team with open jobs to win down the middle. Look for him to start in the minors and earn his way up.
Steve Simmons
1:24
Up here in Canada, doing a piece on Phil Kessel. Do you know which fast food joints/hot dog carts he lives nearby.
Jason Mackey
1:25
Steve, I think I'd probably let it go on the Phil Kessel/hot dog columns. It's not really working out that well. Phil is winning.
Dr Phil from BP
1:25
Are you hearing of any free agents the Pens may be targeting?
Jason Mackey
1:26
It's still a little bit early for that sort of stuff. Usually closer to the NHL Draft, after games finish. ... They want a right-shot D and maybe a fourth-liner who can add some offense. They're still in the process of evaluating fits and who will be available, that sort of thing.
Patrick Craig
1:27
Obviously difficult to predict but if you were to guess: at what age do you think Crosby will retire.
Jason Mackey
1:27
It won't be for a while, assuming his body holds up -- which I think it will. He LOVES hockey. I think you're going to have to drag him off the ice, honestly. My son might wind up covering Sidney Crosby.
Matt Furry
1:27
Your thoughts on the now famous dog: Bark Andre Fleury
Jason Mackey
1:28
Are we now having a Bark-Andre Fleury vs. Beckham Murray debate? I'm not sure I'm ready for this.
Doink Blizzardd
1:28
Do you feel Derrick Brassard will be a good fit in the Penguins lineup next year.
Jason Mackey
1:29
I actually do. I see him like James Neal. Didn't click right away, but give him the whole offseason and things will be different. I think there's a lot there with Brassard. I do think he was legitimately injured. I have pretty much zero concern with his game right now.
Constantino
1:29
What are the stylistic reasons Crosby and Kessel can't/don't play on the same line?
Connecting…