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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 6.29.17
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Jason Mackey
1:44
't because prices are nuts, it could be Jarry. But I would expect if they sign one for everything beneath to stay the same.
Joe
1:44
Any idea if JR trying to trade away Hagelin?  When your a cap team you can't afford to be paying bottom 6 wingers who score 6 goals 4 million dollars.
Jason Mackey
1:45
Sure. If you have a team Jones-ing to pay $4 million for six goals, I'm sure Rutherford would listen. Nobody's calling on that one.
me
1:45
Are you surprised at the negativity towards the Reaves trade?  He gives them something they've been lacking for years, and they only traded down 21 spots to get him.  The only thing I don't like is that he only has one year left on his contract.
Jason Mackey
1:47
I am. It's not like he makes $5 million, or they gave up three first-round picks for him. He makes like $1.1. They picked 20 spots lower anyway. ... I think Reaves could actually be a really useful player, like a turbo speed Scott Wilson who can fit. Also, his skill set -- hitting and getting in on the forecheck -- could be useful if Chris Kunitz leaves, and it looks like that's going to happen. ... The key here will be whether he can play hockey well enough to fit. I'm willing to hear Mike Sullivan out. He thinks he can work with Reaves. I think Sullivan has earned the benefit of the doubt on making this work.
Josh
1:52
Any insight in the terms and $$ for JS, Dumo and Sheary?
Jason Mackey
1:56
I would expect the three combined to be around $11 million, with Schultz getting between $4 and $5 million. Maybe go Schultz $4.5, Dumo $3.75 and Sheary $3? Ballparking a bit, of course.
Doc
1:56
He is a 6M guy
Jason Mackey
1:57
Who is?
guest
1:57
Love your chats!  Are there any worries that the locker room will be too young next year if we loose all of the older and more experienced voices of Cullen, Kunitz, Daley, Hainsey?  Seems like having an "older" player in the locker room has made a difference for the younger players.
Jason Mackey
1:57
I agree with you. I wouldn't call it a concern, but I do think they would like to add a vet or two -- again, assuming those four leave, which I think is a good bet -- to balance things out. Shouldn't be a problem, though.
dave
2:01
How much cap room do you think they'll have to sign UFA's (after they've signed their RFA's)?
Jason Mackey
2:01
Would say about $8 million. And that's going to need to cover a bottom-six center, a backup goalie and a defenseman.
Ron Hainsey
2:01
Am I coming back
Jason Mackey
2:02
I don't think so, Ron. It was fun covering you.
Jay
2:02
Hey Jason, thanks for putting the column together.  Seems like the forward competition could be interesting with Sprong and Aston-Reese this year. Do you see one or both making the jump, or is the forward corps too crowded?
Jason Mackey
2:02
Well, it's the Penguins, so there are always injuries. I think Sprong has a real shot to start the year with the big club. ZAR needs a little time in the minors, but I think injuries will net him a promotion midway through.
Guest
2:02
Are you worried about the goaltending for the upcoming season? There aren't too many prime targets left on the market. I know it's hard to discredit 2 cups, but with the lineup changing pretty greatly, Murray theoretically playing more games than he's used to and him being injury prone, it seems like a pretty vulnerable spot in the penguins game next season
Jason Mackey
2:03
I'm not worried at all about the goaltending. They have a 23-year-old who has won two Cups. When you have that, there's no need to freak out over Mike Condon signing with Ottawa or whether or not they can acquire Anders Nilsson.
Tyler
2:03
Is Rowney destined to be the 4th line center until the trade deadline at the earliest?
Jason Mackey
2:04
It's starting to look that way. I'm not confident Cullen is coming back to Pittsburgh. I do think they'll sign another center, but, yeah, it's looking like Rowney will be the guy there for the foreseeable future.
Jaye
2:04
I hear a lot of talk that Rowney could end up filling one of the C slots.  It seems to me that his play was much more effective as a winger than at center.  Any thoughts on that?
Jason Mackey
2:04
I agree with you. But I also like Rowney at center -- albeit in limited minutes and with not much of a reliance on him to produce offensively. As a 4C, I think Rowney would be just fine.
GMJR
2:04
I'm trying to get a dumb GM to take Pouliot off my hands, don't blow it, Mackey.
Jason Mackey
2:05
Sorry, Jim.
John Strange
2:05
You mentioning it is the first I've heard of Cullen playing in Minnesota. I know I'm not tuned in but would he really play for another team? Seems like his heart and soul are with the Penguins.
Jason Mackey
2:05
Cullen said he couldn't imagine playing anywhere but Pittsburgh before Minnesota initiated talks. I don't think Cullen expected that. Going home, allowing his kids to play there, being around family ... I think that would be a game-changer for Matt.
Andy
2:06
I think Duchene makes sense in both fit and cost, as long as they have a LD replacement for Maatta and they don't trade Guentzel or Sprong.  For example, Maatta, Sheary and a draft pick is fine.  The reason is Duchene is only under contract for 2 years versus the 4 year term Bonino wants.  I think that's more a problem for the Pens than Bonino's cost.  Also, Duchene is better offensively and would really make them dynamic.  They only have a couple people to pay next year too.  If I'm JR, I would do that deal if Colorado wants and it would help the team.  There are more options I think for LD than for a 3C. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
2:07
I disagree. I think you're going to overpay for Maatta's replacement, after you've already overpayed for your 3C slot. Dynamic? They just led the league in scoring. They have enough offense, and with Crosby and Malkin taking the tougher matchups, the 3C spot in Pittsburgh is very much sheltered. No need to shell out $6 million on it.
John
2:07
With the Pens playing games back to back 19 times this season, wouldn't it be wise for Sullivan and coaching staff to ponder resting players in light of the total hockey games played the past 2 seasons? Considering the organization's aspiration is to contend for another Stanley cup this season.
Jason Mackey
2:08
Sure. But guaranteeing a win while those players are resting seems to be a little difficult. If someone can handle that part, my guess is Sullivan will buy in easily.
John
2:09
What type of contract are they looking to spend on a back up goalie? condon just got 2.4 which seems pricey
Jason Mackey
2:09
Yeah, that's too high. $1 million would preferable. $1.5 if they felt they were really getting something special.
Yellacat
2:09
Why would the NHL schedule 3 straight Western Conference opponents to open season and not a team like Washington or Columbus?
Jason Mackey
2:10
It's a good question. I can't answer that. Stupid, if you ask me.
Andy
2:10
If they don't bring back Daley, who else do you think they are looking at to replace him?
Jason Mackey
2:10
Veteran defenseman who wouldn't be terribly expensive who could play the right side. Can't name names for you at this point.
MJK
2:10
Bonino is going to be overpaid by somebody. He also had the rare opportunity to play on the third line with an elite goal scorer like Phil Kessel, and a speed guy like Hagelin.  I like the idea of making a play for Thorton, play on the third line, older guy, less minutes than top 6. Good match ups, and would still have talented wingers.  What say you?
Jason Mackey
2:11
No. No need to sign Thornton. Would be tough, too, considering they've shown zero interest thus far. I think Thornton wants to stay in SJ. Wants to be with Marleau. That probably won't work here. Not a sure thing on PP time, either, which he'd want. And his cap hit would turn out to be more than they have to pay.
Doc
2:11
Cam WARD
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