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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 7.19.18
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Matt D.
1:43
By all means the Penguins top 2 draft picks this year (Hallander and Addison) have real potential.  Do you think these picks, along with Bellerive, will make an NHL impact before the end of the 87 / 71 window?
Jason Mackey
1:44
Yeah, I could see that, although maybe at the tail end. I think those guys are at least three years away. I said earlier the window is probably 4-5 years, although I had window talk. I could see them making it up here before Crosby and Malkin are gone, for sure.
Guest
1:44
Do you think the hold up in signing Jarry is because he wants a one-way deal and the Pens are only offering a two-way deal?
Jason Mackey
1:44
It could be, but Jarry has very little leverage in that regard.
Kenny
1:45
"If GMJR lets Jarry go because he feels he has to and Murray gets hurt, he knows he'll get roasted by you guys and us." When was the last time you roasted GMJR for anything, Jason?
Jason Mackey
1:45
The Niemi and Hunwick signings. Leaving his team with five defensemen. I'm sure there are others, but the dude won back-to-back Cups. What exactly was I supposed to pick apart?
Joe
1:45
Will Rutherford ever consider a re-tooling? I.e. trade some bigger pieces (Kessel, Letang, etc) in order to replenish young talent.  Or will he always be about win now?
Jason Mackey
1:46
He'll always be in win-now mode, and that's more than a Jim thing. That's from Burkle and Mario on down. The organization wants to maximize what they do Cup and playoff-wise while Crosby and Malkin are here. No shame in that.
Dave
1:46
Jason, never get a chance to join your chats, so while I have the option I just wanted to say thanks so much for your great coverage, last year especially. I lost my Dad at too young of an age, too, and know just how paralyzing it can be. Your hard work is appreciated and admired.
Jason Mackey
1:47
Thanks, Dave. I appreciate that. I work hard. That's something my dad taught me, and I hope every day that I'm making him proud. He was my hero. Still is. And I miss the hell out of him.
Uncle
1:47
How have you been spending your offseason?  You hitting the gym and the weights preparing for the upcoming season?
Jason Mackey
1:47
Ha. I have been hitting the gym and running but only because I (sort of) enjoy it, and it keeps me sane. Taking some time off. Being a dad and a husband. We're moving, so there's that. Going to Virginia Beach the week after next. Unplugging a bit.
Chris Roy
1:47
Jack Johnson has all the physical gifts and he's extremely competitive. What is lacking in his game that the advanced stats all point to being.. well..pretty bad?
Jason Mackey
1:48
Some of it has been playing on so-so teams. Last season, as I understand it, was a lot of confidence. Also trying to do too much and likely too much being asked of him. If he's asked to play a simple game, take fewer chances and play safe, I think we could see a different Jack Johnson.
paul
1:48
why do people always give Rutherford the benefit of the doubt with his moves because he won two cups? Impact players like Sheary, Rust, and Guentzel were all Shero's doing.  and more importantly  -- why ignore the 20+ years of terrible track record in Carolina?
Jason Mackey
1:50
He did win a Cup there and do plenty in a small market that never spent to the cap. I don't understand crushing the guy for that. GMJR has made some really good trades since taking over (Scuderi-Daley, Perron-Hagelin). He's not above criticism, sure, but I don't understand being overly negative about the guy's career. He's going to be in the Hall of Fame in relatively short order.
Guest
1:50
Do you think it was hard for GMJR to see some of the essential cup guys walk this summer? I know it’s a business and it had to be done but Sheary and Kuhnhackl were pivotal parts of the back to back wins.
Jason Mackey
1:51
I don't think so. Kuhnhackl didn't score. They need more goals from that spot. And Sheary was too inconsistent, and they couldn't promise him a meaningful role. Plus, sending his dollars out was necessary for the other stuff Jim wanted to do.
Guest
1:51
With Guentzel getting huge money next season, I don’t see Brassard sticking around. Would he walk or would it be better to trade him?
Jason Mackey
1:51
I think he'll walk. He'll probably get more elsewhere, both in money and role. And, as you said, they're going to have to pay Guentzel.
Guest
1:51
Do you agree that Murray had a mediocre to poor year last year and are the Pens worried about his availability and ability to rebound. This was his first full season as the starter and he was either injured or very inconsistent. I like him but I’m not sold on him as a long term starter despite his unbelievable playoff runs
Jason Mackey
1:52
I think Murray was inconsistent last year. There were times when he was really good, but he didn't put together any sustained stretches of good healthy or, outside of one or two, dominant play. Are the Penguins concerned that he can do that? No. But he would be the first to tell you that he can be better than he was in 2017-18.
Guest
1:52
Your comments on Johnson about him needing to play more simply echo the constant comments about Letang. Has he ever learned to play more simply or tone down the risk-taking? No. At age 31, neither Johnson nor Letang is going to change their game. It’s  incredibly risky for JR to take the position of signing someone like that for FIVE YEARs on the hope that they can get him to change his game
Jason Mackey
1:54
Fair point. But unlike Letang, who needs to produce offense to be effective, Johnson doesn't. He's a bigger body. He should be hitting people, making a good first pass, killing penalties and playing responsible hockey. Not taking as many risks should come more naturally to him. I think he deserves a chance to see if he can change. Say what you want about GMJR, too, he has done an excellent job getting out from under bad deals. Who's to say it can't happen again?
K
1:54
Are Maatta and Dumoulin lifers on this team like Letang or do they get traded are some point in their careers?
Jason Mackey
1:54
As of now, I think they are lifers. Or at least the Penguins would like them to be. Obviously if they don't produce, then that could change. But I think the belief is they're still getting better and only scratching the surface of what they can do.
1:55
OK, folks. That's gonna do it for this week. Thanks so much for participating. I'll be in touch for our next chat. Talk to yinz then.
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