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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 5.31.18
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Jason Mackey
1:31
Sid isn't a fan, for sure. Two, Kessel does nothing in the corners, which forces Crosby to do it; it's usually energy better appropriated elsewhere for Crosby. Kessel can be a little unpredictable and difficult to read. Crosby also loves straight-ahead stuff with speed. Kessel can be a little more finesse.
Constantino
1:31
On clean-out day, Brassard was reported as answering a question re Kessel's health with something abrupt like "I don't know, ask him." In retrospect, was he perturbed by Kessel's now-reported dislike of playing on his wing, which ultimately got him demoted to the fourth line?
Jason Mackey
1:32
No, I don't think Brassard was perturbed at all. Not at this exchange, anyway. It wasn't a nasty response. Just normal. There's only so much one player can say about another man's health.
John
1:32
With talk of improving the fourth line, have you been giving any indication that management/coaching staff is willing to move on from Kuhnhackl as an everyday player? He is a warrior, but produces nothing offensively and if you delve into the numbers is easily the teams worst PK forward, given the amount of space he allows the opposition puck handlers to shoot at will. Its difficult for me to see how the top 12 forwards would realistically include 34 if they actually want an improved 4th line.
Jason Mackey
1:33
Yeah, I think they're getting to the point where that is a consideration given Rutherford's comments to me, but it doesn't necessarily mean they're anti-Kuhnhackl. Here's what I mean: If Kuhnhackl can produce, he'll stay. If he doesn't, they're not going to be afraid to find someone who will, whether that's Zach Aston-Reese or whomever. Sullivan likes Kuhnhackl, but he hasn't done nearly enough to cement a spot in the everyday lineup.
Guest
1:33
Would you like to see Pens sign Ilya Kovalchuk at age 35?
Jason Mackey
1:33
Absolutely not. Hard pass on that one.
John
1:34
If they do something crazy like trading Phil, what type of player would they replace him with? When they traded for 72  they acquired something they desperately needed, but they also lost Neal's ability to just rip the puck by the goalie. When they traded for Phil they reacquired that ability and then some. I love hard working players, but it sure is nice to have guys that can get goals out of nothing. I think you need both. And considering Sid and Geno are more playmakers than anything else I'm wary about trading away that shot and replacing it with less talent.
Jason Mackey
1:35
Thanks for the question, John. Honestly, if they do trade Kessel, I think it will be more for a package of prospects, picks and salary-cap relief they're going to need in the coming years. Who steps into that spot is likely Daniel Sprong, who has a similar shot but nowhere near the track record.
Rachel Przybysz
1:35
Do we have an early idea of how many of the RFAs will be returning as Penguins??
Jason Mackey
1:36
I would expect the NHL guys to be back, meaning Rust, Kuhnhackl, Simon, Sheahan, Oleksiak, Jarry and Sprong.
Jeffry Yancoskie
1:36
How is the offseason treating you guys so far? Cheering for Flower I'm sure!
Jason Mackey
1:37
Offseason has been good, thanks for asking. Still not cheering for individual players or teams. Still staying objective. Although it is fun because it's been a story that you guys have consumed plenty, so that part of it is satisfying. Vegas as a whole, really. It's amazing how well that content does online.
AR
1:37
Jason, I am a big hockey fan, watched the third period of Game 1 of the finals and here is my question: why do the refs even bother coming out for the 3rd period? players getting mauled and tackled with no call. As much as Oshie annoys me, what the Vegas defensmen were doing to him was ridiculous. Reaves goal should have been no goal bec a Caps defenseman was blatantly decked a second earlier. It becomes frustratingly unwatchable. Does anyone care? It worsens the product.
Jason Mackey
1:39
I agree with you. There's zero consistency right now, and I think that's the biggest issue. I think the NHL needs to take a long, hard look at how its officials are trained. There's definitely a problem, although I'm not sure staying in the dressing room for the third period would've solved it.
Jeffry Yancoskie
1:39
Do you think we will make a move on Tavares? If so how much could we get him for?
Jason Mackey
1:40
I do think Jim will try, but it's just too hard. I don't think Tavares would want the role he would get here, and I don't think the Penguins could absorb that salary, which easily could be more than $10 million.
Guest
1:41
What do you think JR sees as the Pens’ needs for next year that would help them to get back to the Cup finals?
Jason Mackey
1:41
Depth on defense and a better fourth line. GMJR told me this last week: http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2018/05/21/penguins-offsea...
Dan
1:41
Jason what can the Pens do to acquire some young defensemen? They have little if anything at WBS
Jason Mackey
1:42
Free agency can net them a few two-way types -- guys like Andrey Pedan and Lukas Bengtsson. Also, the draft should help. I would expect the Penguins to try and address this position there. They could also make a trade or two to try and get additional picks.
Matt in Cleveland
1:42
Of the six D-men on the ice on to start the 2018-19 season, how many are on the roster now?
Jason Mackey
1:43
I'll go with five. ... Letang, Dumoulin, Maatta, Schultz and Ruhwedel/Oleksiak. ... They'll get their sixth on July 1.
Guest
1:44
Do you think JR cares that the Pens prospect pool is so bare since the team has been all-in during Sid and Geno’s primes? Do you think he’ll try to get back in to the first round of the draft this year and how would he do that?
Jason Mackey
1:45
I think he would have to get a Kessel deal he liked, and I don't know if I see all that coming together. Probably not. Calling the Penguins prospect pool "so bare" is probably a bit harsh, although GMJR's mandate is to win now. Those above him want Rutherford to go for it at all costs, so I don't know how we're faulting him for this.
Steven
1:45
Is there any truth to Ron Francis being looked at for a front office job?
Jason Mackey
1:45
If you could provide where you saw this -- I haven't -- it would be greatly appreciated.
AR
1:46
I know Kessel is a gifted offensive player, but he is no 87 or 71, so to say lets split them all up to have 3 evenly dangerous lines is misleading. If he is so much more dangerous playing with Malkin then HCMS is losing by splitting them up. Just make sure to put a defensively responsible winger with them, whoever that is (Hagelin? not 72, I want him with sid). And phil and geno need to know going in that poor defense will doom that line
Jason Mackey
1:47
I don't disagree with you. I also think there's something to be said for putting players in positions where they'll be happy -- within reason. If Phil wants this, and he does, then do it and bargain with him that you need some responsible play, and you want him to average _____ shots on goal per game. Seriously. Mutually agree upon a number. ... But if Phil wants to play with Malkin, give him what he wants and make it help the team.
Jeffry Y
1:47
Do you think Daniel Sprong will do well at NHL level?
Jason Mackey
1:48
I do, actually. He's not going to compete for the Selke Trophy, but if you leave him alone and let him do his thing, I definitely think he could score 20-30 goals in 2018-19.
Matt in Cleveland
1:48
Will Jooris be back with the pens?  I think he showed more in his limited time with the Pens than Rowney.
Jason Mackey
1:49
Yeah, I think there's a possibility of that, depending on what else, if anything, he gets offer-wise. They liked his ability to shuttle back and forth. He's a decent skater. Can do a lot of different things. If they can get him cheap, I think the Penguins would be interested in that.
Wilson's Name on the Cup?
1:49
Hi Jason, thoughts on the Reeves jab on Wilson last night?  Happy to see Wilson get some business or did it make you turn away because you hate watching neanderthal's on the ice?
Jason Mackey
1:51
Ha. Doesn't matter to me either way, but I thought it was interesting: In the Cup final, that's pretty much what physicality has become. And really hockey in general. There's barely fighting anymore. That's basically enforcing in 2018, although you know Wilson isn't going to stop playing his game.
John
1:51
Gajtka reported two Eastern teams that missed playoffs have made offers for Kessel. Are you aware of this too?
Jason Mackey
1:53
No. I had not heard that.
Guest
1:53
Do you agree with Madden’s recent article that Sullivan is becoming Tortorella by playing favorites and trying to do things his way to the detriment of the team?  Do you think he is driving players like Cole and Kessel out? If so, doyou think JR cares?
Jason Mackey
1:55
I agreed with most of it. But I have a problem saying he's becoming Tortorella. Sullivan, like all coaches, wants to do things his way. I get that. It's hard to argue with a guy who has won eight of nine playoff series here. I do think Sullivan could be more flexible with some things, but I do think he deserves the benefit of the doubt. Kessel hasn't been traded yet, and there's a chance he could stick around. A very good chance, in fact.
AR
1:55
why couldnt kuznetsov get hurt during round 2? In all seriousness, I think he has been the Caps best player these playoffs, what a skater, but as we know the Conn Smythe goes to biggest name
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