JotCast | Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 5.31.18

Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 5.31.18

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Jason Mackey

2:06

AR, you've entered more-questions-than-my-wife-has-asked-me-today territory. I don't think that Malkin has disappeared. Malkin was utterly dominant during the first three months of the year, unquestionably the best player in the league.

2:06

what about john moore

Jason Mackey

2:06

Would be a very realistic add for them.

Jeffry Y

2:06

Do you think Erik K is too far out of our reach?

Jason Mackey

2:06

Yes, I do.

Alex

2:07

Besides Dahlin, who do you think makes the most immediate impact on their club?

Jason Mackey

2:08

Really, really liek Svechnikov, Tkachuk and Zadina. I know those are probably cliched picks, but there are several players who I think will make an immediate impact.

Dan

2:09

How about a long shot FA defenseman Greg Pateryn Dallas..right handed big kid stays at home pretty tough and shouldn’t break the bank ?

Jason Mackey

2:10

I don't hate it, but honestly, if they move some things around, I think they could do better. I think they will do better.

hayden

2:11

im honestly asking this without knowing a thing but do you think jaret anderson dolan would be a good fit with wbs penguins?

Jason Mackey

2:11

Sure. He'd be a good fit with a lot of teams, but the Kings drafted him last summer, no?

Guest

2:12

What do you know about the job Recchi is doing? He seems to bring little, and certainly not enough that Tocchet brought. Do you think the Pens miss Tocchet and would consider replacing Recchi? What’s his relationship like with Sullivan?

Jason Mackey

2:13

What evidence do we have that Recchi brings little? I'm not in the video room. Are you? None of us are working out with him after practice. Completely unfair criticism. I don't think Recchi is in danger of getting replaced. Sure, they probably miss Tocchet, but that was expected because Tocchet was so good ... hence why he became a head coach.

hayden

2:13

any prank pulled by fleury when he came back to pittsburgh?

Jason Mackey

2:13

Not that we saw. Sorry.

Steven

2:14

re: Francis. Yohe had speculated at it, thought he had something more concrete. My mistake. Sorry friend.

Jason Mackey

2:14

My understand is Francis wants to take a year off. There are some family concerns that I'm not going to put in the public sphere. But I wouldn't peg him joining the Penguins as terribly likely at this point. If you can link whatever Yohe wrote, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Guest

2:14

Are Pens getting rid of elite players like Kessel because Sullivan can’t make the relationship work? If so, I can’t believe Mario would agree with that. He’s always agreed that elite players are why teams win, not coaching. If it’s was a choice between Sullivan and Kessel, you’d have to think Mario would side with Kessel.

Jason Mackey

2:16

It has nothing to do with what you're talking about. It has to do with good business and the Penguins (theoretically) being able to get good return for Kessel. People are really running with this -- I didn't write it -- that Sullivan and Kessel hate each other or something. Phil just put up a career-high 92 points. Did their personalities change that much since the end of the season? It's a chore, yes, but it's not a bridge impossible to cross.

Steven

2:16

Who would that traded forward be then? Sheary?

Jason Mackey

2:16

Possible. Hagelin, also possible. Kessel, also possible.

Guest

2:18

Sullivan doesn’t like Phil and Sprong, and he loves Kuhnhackl. He likes hard worker bees who shut up and do what they’re told. You can’t have a team full of those talentless players. He’d probably drive Geno out if he could. Do you think he needs to get over himself and does he have a shelf life here? Or has been given free reign for however many years he wants because he won two Cups?

Jason Mackey

2:19

I think we're a long way from talking about Sullivan's shelf life. I do think Sullivan has a certain way of doing things, and Phil and Sprong don't exactly fit that. But Sullivan also isn't an idiot. He can deal with different players. They just won two Cups with Phil, who had a career year in 2017-18. How bad could it be? I think Sully probably needs to be a little more flexible, but I also don't think that's impossible to do.

Rachel Przybysz

2:19

Just a dumb question...is there a way to write fanmail to the players...I was told that they actually Do take time out to read and respond back??

Jason Mackey

2:19

I'm not sure, but you're going to want to direct that inquiry to the Penguins. That's their responsibility, not the Post-Gazette's.

2:20

you mentiones Sid needs someone to dig out pucks for him, thats exactly why Shearry is not sustainable, he's just too small for board play, even though I agree he has offensive instinct. Sharry neds to be the guy that plays away from the boards

Jason Mackey

2:20

Fair point. Although he does add some positive offensive elements, I'll give him that.

Guest

2:20

Do you think JR seems the need to trade or sign in free agency a top 6 LW with some jam, sort of an E. Kane like player? They really need a gritty top 6 LW imo...too many similar smaller players. Agree?

Jason Mackey

2:21

Not right now. If you're top two LWs are Guentzel and Hagelin, I think you're OK. Plus, Rust can play (very well) there, and Zach Aston-Reese could easily and quickly turn into the type of player you're referencing.

Johnny

2:21

Possibility Sheary is traded

Jason Mackey

2:21

I think it's real. I don't have a number or percentage for you.

2:22

once you start comparing me to your wife, thats my cue. Will save the rest for next time.

Jason Mackey

2:22

To be fair, I'm counting eight questions. :-)

Mike

2:22

Do you think Oleksiak has reached his potential? I think that I recall that he was originally a higher draft pick.

Jason Mackey

2:22

I don't. I think there's more there. He started very strong, but didn't finish great. I think his passing still needs some work. There's more offense there, too, IMO.

2:23

What are your thoughts in cherry putting bettman on the spot about Quebec expansion?they are long overdue for the nordiques to be back. Was never about fans not supporting them

Jason Mackey

2:23

Totally agree. Kills me that Quebec doesn't have a team. It absolutely should.

Guest

2:23

Do you think JR might be interested in signing de Haan in free agency, or too expensive?

Jason Mackey

2:23

I think he would be a very realistic add and someone the Penguins will look at.

Steven

2:24