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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 6.7.18
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Jason Mackey
1:55
I don't remember the exact phrasing of what I said, but I don't see how it's productive to air the P-G's per diem. And my loyalty is with the paper more so than your college project. I'm sorry.
HB
1:55
You  snucked last weeks chat pass me Jason not again.
Jason Mackey
1:55
Oh, boy. Look out.
Jubilation
1:55
Are you aware of the Pens currently talking to any of their UFAs/RFAs? Do you see them struggling to sign one of them in particular?
Jason Mackey
1:56
These conversations are fairly routine. It's more an expectation. There's some optimism Rust negs will start soon on something more. No, I don't anticipate any snags with any of the NHL-level guys.
HB
1:56
Jarry is graded as a starter in this organization do other teams view him as that and could he be traded him for a young defensemen prospect?
Jason Mackey
1:57
They do and he could. I wouldn't be surprised if Jim moved Jarry this offseason, either to rid themselves of the Hunwick contract/Sheary, get a legit No. 5 D man or all of the above.
Jubilation
1:57
With all the rumours we've seen throughout the year, can you realistically see Pittsburgh making a splash and moving one of their big players in Letang or Kessel for example?
Jason Mackey
1:58
Not Letang. There's too much going on there. Medical records, for one. Also, there aren't going to be many opposing GMs willing to take on a $7.25-million-a-year salary for a defenseman with a length injury history coming off one of his worst seasons. Kessel, on the other hand, I could see it. But Jim isn't actively looking to do it; more, he would be willing to listen on offers -- which I'm hearing he's getting, so it should be interesting.
RandomHockeyGuy
1:58
It seems like there are a lot of names floating around available ahead of the draft.  Carolina and the Islanders seem to be making quite a few players available.  Ekman-Larssen may be available if he doesn't accept latest offer.  Buffalo has a few guys in the rumor mill.   So do a few other teams.  If the cap is 80 million next season, and Rutherford resigns all our RFAs, the Penguins would likely have about 1M to improve the team.  How likely do you think it is we see a medium (Sheary, Hagelin) to large (Kessel, Letang) type deal at the draft?
Jason Mackey
1:59
Medium, yes. Can almost guarantee something like that will happen. That's in Jim's DNA. Large, not so much. Maybe Kessel. But it's going to depend on the offers Jim gets.
HB
1:59
I feel like ZAR was at his best when playing with Crosby do you think he will get a chance to play with Crosby or malkin next year.
Jason Mackey
2:00
Maybe Malkin, but I think Crosby will likely start the season with Guentzel on LW and Sprong on the right. ZAR could be interesting with Malkin and Kessel. Good defensively. Good in corners, front of the net, etc. But if they keep Hagelin, I think he's the best play there. And if Sprong would click with Brassard, Sullivan wouldn't have a problem using Hornqvist or Rust at that 1RW spot. I think, if they keep Kessel, Sullivan is going to have to adjust his thinking when it comes to playing Phil with Geno.
MA
2:00
Hi!
Jason Mackey
2:00
Hello there.
John
2:01
Is there an ETA on the next interview with Rutherford? Before the draft? I love hearing from that guy. One of the rare people in sports that consistently gives thoughtful insightful answers on his thought process and the team.
Jason Mackey
2:03
Same here. No ETA. As beat writers, we all talk to him. I think we all try to be respectful of his time. I know I talked to him, then Pierre LeBrun (Athletic) and Dejan Kovacevic (DKPittsburghSports.com) followed. Josh Yohe (Athletic) talked to Jim about Letang a few days before I called. Sure the Trib fits in there somewhere. ... My point is that, yes, you can expect a PG/GMJR interview before the draft, and also, yes, he's awesome. Very insightful, funny, engaging. Love talking to Jim and how much he takes care of the beat reporters who cover the team. The Penguins on the whole do a very good job of treating the beat reporters who cover them.
OnlyWins
2:03
What is Pittsburgh's biggest need this offseason in your opinion?
Jason Mackey
2:04
I think they need a third-pairing defenseman, particularly a right-handed one. ... Of course, that's what the GM wants, so that's their biggest need. I do think they could stand to improve their fourth line, too. I think that goes without saying.
Christian
2:04
If the Penguins were to pursue Domi, who would they likely have to give up?
Jason Mackey
2:04
I don't think they would have enough to make it happen. First? High-level prospect? Maybe both. I think the price would be steep.
Aaron
2:04
The penguins are rumored to have interest in coyotes max domi, any truth? Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
2:05
He's a great player. I can see why they would be interested, but I also think the Coyotes are committed to rebuilding the right way. I know Domi has had some issues there, but he's a really good player. Trading him seems like shooting that philosophy in the foot.
MA
2:06
Assuming we making the expected trades(sheary/hunwick/Jarry/hags😞) and the expected increase in cap space, who would be the best Dman option for the pens to get?
Jason Mackey
2:06
My top three at this point -- in no particular order -- would probably be de Haan, Moore and Sustr.
OnlyWins
2:06
Do you think it's time to move Jarry? A team might value him enough to use him as a backup/future starter and the Pens may get some value back now. Thank you!
Jason Mackey
2:08
I do. I like Tristan ... but as a starter. I don't think he's a very good backup, in the sense that I don't think Fleury was a very good backup. Just not built for it. Needs a run of games. That said, I would entertain dealing him and roll the dice with DeSmith as my backup. I get that Jarry is a nice luxury should something happen, but I like getting rid of the Hunwick contract and/or Sheary more. It would enable the Penguins, in all likelihood, to keep Hagelin.
Wally
2:08
Jason, I've been out of the country for a few weeks and I just got caught up on some of your recent chats...I'm gonna be honest with you - I'm disappointed. I'm a huge Dead fan now after reading your many chats were you go on and on about them. I love the Dead questions that fans bring up in these chats. It adds a nice flavor. However, I have been a member of KISS ARMY since the 70s and the condescending remarks you made about the band and its fans really stung.       Look - KISS may not be the coolest band according to most of you DeadHeads, but we are a dedicated fan base all the same. In high school DeadHeads always picked on KISS ARMY and I was hoping that by 2018 that would change. I'm sad to see it hasn't. Do us KISS ARMY/Pens Fans a favor and give KISS another listen.   Try to hear the similarities (especially in bass riffs and drum patterns) and try to understand what makes both groups tick is love of life and music.  You're cool, Jason. But
Jason Mackey
2:08
I will give them another listen, Wally. I'm sorry to have disappointed you.
Guest
2:08
Who is the Stanley CUP mvp right now?
Jason Mackey
2:09
I'd go Kuznetsov. But if you said Ovechkin or Holtby, I'd have a tough time arguing.
Guest
2:09
What is the name of the NHL Defensive Player of the Year award?    Also, who is the worst player to ever win it?  Thanks!
Jason Mackey
2:10
Norris Trophy. That Orr guy sucked, right?
HB
2:10
I hate to be that guy but do you think who ever wins the cup will get the same amount of criticism about the White House visit that Crosby got.
Jason Mackey
2:10
No. Not at all. What Sid got was ridiculous. And notice none of it came from here. ... I do think it will be interesting with three Russians and an African-American on the Capitals.
Kent
2:11
Some low radar Free agents I think the Pens should look at to add some speed and depth to the 4th line, Benoit Pouliot he can skate and kill penalties and possibly replace Hags, they similar and would be a lot cheaper. One other I would like to see them kick the tires on is Slater Koekkoek an RFA in Tampa, with his speed and the teams ability to reclaim D-men I think would suit in nice on bottom pairing, just wondering your thoughts?
Jason Mackey
2:12
I wouldn't be against Pouliot, for the reasons you mentioned. I like Koekkoek, but I don't see how Tampa would let him go, and the Penguins aren't going to offer sheet that.
3outof4
2:12
If the Penguins find a replacement, do you think they should consider buying out Matt Hunwick if unable to move him?
Jason Mackey
2:12
Yes, I think they should. I think you just cut your losses. Whatever fit they hoped to find, it just ain't there from what I've seen.
Mr.
2:12
Mr. Mackey, I just saw that weed is gonna probably be legal in all of Canada starting later this summer. I don't know if you are into that kind of thing, but regardless is this gonna lead to smoke-filled NHL stadiums that aren't safe to take my kids into?  I also don't want to see the great Canadian franchises like the Leafs or Canucks reduced to a bunch of slow moving stoners.    Do you think this could spell the end of hockey in Canada as we know it?
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