You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 8.23.18
powered byJotCast
View Full Chat Next Page
Jason Mackey
12:10
Hi folks, thanks for stopping by my weekly chat. We officially start at 1 p.m., but please feel free to ask your questions now. I'll be back then to answer all of them.
1:01
Alright folks, I got some lunch here in the new house. Let's do this.
Steven
1:01
Any rumored PTOs for Penguins camp?
Jason Mackey
1:02
Not that I've heard. Then again, the Penguins -- winning two out of the past three Cups -- don't really have a lot of needs where a PTO might suit.
Nancy Selene
1:02
What do you expect to happen with the RW1 slot for the upcoming season? Is this a spot that is open for Sprong or do you see a veteran like Hornqvist taking that role?
Jason Mackey
1:03
I think it's TBD, Nancy. I think they'll probably start with Hornqvist because he's a little bit safer of an option. Nothing against Guentzel, but you probably don't want him overly concerned about defense. That leaves ... Sid. Hornqvist helps there. See if a different look might help Brassard. You never know. But I think there could be a rotation with Hornqvist and Sprong as the season moves along.
guest
1:03
So excited for hockey to be back!  Loved your articles on Matt Cullen.  I hope he realizes that alot of the fan base is very excited that he is back?  It sounded like he thought people were skeptical.
Jason Mackey
1:04
Thank you. And me as well. Just a certain rhythm to the season that we all miss, I think. ... It honestly seems 50/50 on those happy to have Cullen back versus those who hate the deal. I don't understand the vitriol. Question it all you want -- he is 41 and coming off a bad year -- but it's $650,000. Being around this team every day last year, they needed someone like Cullen. Shoot, even if he doesn't play, he's worth $650,000 to me for his personality alone.
Nancy Selene
1:04
The Penguins have noted that they believe Letang plays better with less ice time. Do you expect Letang's role at even-strength to decrease this season? Or will the team replace him on the penalty kill with Jack Johnson?
Jason Mackey
1:06
I think it will be a little bit of both. Although for clarity, they THINK Letang will play better with fewer minutes. As recently as last year, Sullivan talked about how some guys needed more minutes to feel comfortable and Letang was one of those. Now we're getting told he's better with less. Which one is it? ... But using Jack more on the PK is one more. Maybe more Schultz on PP, depending on how things click. And just more evenly distributing the defensive minutes. There's a lot of ways to do it.
Guest
1:06
With the signings of Hayes, Grant, and Cullen, do the young kids (Sprong, ZAR, Simon) still make the roster opening night?
Jason Mackey
1:07
Sprong does. We know that. GMJR wants Sprong in, and he's watched him sit for long enough -- hence why he said what he said at the end of the season. ZAR and Simon are different, especially ZAR, who's still on a two-way contract. My prediction: ZAR starts in the minors, and Simon is a healthy scratch. Both see time because of injuries and ineffectiveness.
guest
1:07
Also love the Jake Guetzel article.  I hope Jake is going to continue his pregame warm-up tradition of rolling on the glass!  I felt really bad for him and how lonely he seemed to be last year.  Glad his brother is able to move here with him this year.
Jason Mackey
1:08
I think Jake is by nature very, very shy. And I think this probably hurt him some last year. While other guys had their things -- GF, family, whatever -- he was just kind of hanging out. ZAR and Simon got along. Jake was kind of just off on his own. Having his brother will definitely help. Jake also seems to be getting more comfortable in his own skin.
Lance
1:11
Any chance of moving Phil the Thrill prior to the start of the season?
Jason Mackey
1:12
No. That ship sailed long ago. And it was never a push from the Penguins to do it; that got blown WAY out of proportion. It was a willingness on GMJR's part to listen.
Guest
1:12
I know there have been a bunch of stories regarding players pre-game routines, the superstitions, etc. I may be mistaken but I don't remember ever reading one about their post-game routines; what they do to cool down and ease the adrenaline, what time they wind up getting to bed, etc. As a rec league player, I'd be really interested to know what helps the pros unwind after. Thanks, Jason!
Jason Mackey
1:13
You make a very good point -- and I'm going to steal the story idea, if you don't mind. I remember doing something like this when I was at the Trib, about what all is involved in a day in the life of an NHL player. A lot of them, honestly, have trouble going to sleep, which Sam Werner wrote about last year. But postgame there's often a recovery shake, plus workouts, believe it or not. That's especially nuts on the road, when everyone is rushing to do media, gather everything and leave the building -- usually before 11 p.m. local time.
guest
1:13
When you are a guest on the Sunday night sports show down, is that something you do that is voluntary or is that part of your sports writing duties?
Jason Mackey
1:14
It is voluntary, I guess, although KDKA pays me. It's certainly not required. Pomp asked. I said absolutely. (You don't tell a legend like Pomp no.) I think it's a lot of fun. Don't tell the station, but I would do it for free.
Victor
1:14
Inside Scoop article on Jake described how his mom and dad clean his room and do his laundry. Not a really good look for him. Kinda reinforces the image of hockey being mostly a game for rich white kids. Very impressed though with Oleksiak working in the jungle.
Jason Mackey
1:15
I think you're forgetting what you were like when you were 23. Or most of us were like at 23. I know my mom made me do my own laundry in the second grade, so I can't relate. But I'm not going to criticize the kid for spending time at home. We're all different. And his cleanliness has nothing to do with his ability to play hockey. Sidney Crosby can't do much more around the house than screw in a light bulb.
Mike in Kennedy
1:15
Just a few years ago, the Pens had a waiting list of thousands for season tix. They have recently won 2 Cups and contend every year with superstars on the roster. Yet the waiting list is gone as they openly advertise that season tix are available. What happened to the fanbase? The Steeler's waiting list never dissipates.
Jason Mackey
1:17
That's incorrect, Mike. What you're reading -- that tickets are always available -- references the secondary market. Notice they'll say the same thing in the days leading up to games. There aren't walk-up tickets or anything like that, but you can find them online. It's strategic, I think, although I'll admit, I don't fully understand what they're doing. But I've asked that question a couple times, too, and that's the answer I will get.
PH
1:17
The Penguins currently have 15 NHL ready forwards. Which one do you see starting the year off in the AHL?
Jason Mackey
1:18
Zach Aston-Reese is on a two-way deal. If he doesn't absolutely blow some socks off in the preseason, he's a candidate. Not sure who's in your 15, but I think Blueger and Dea start down there. Obviously Wilson. Jimmy Hayes, too. Simon and Sprong are on one-way deals.
robert
1:18
Jason, Please give me your impression of Pens' fanbase. It seems to me that this is a golden era for the Pens, having the best player in the game who is also a decent human being (Sidney), supported by one nearly as talented (Geno). Many seem appreciative, of course, but there are always some vociferous complainers who don't seem to realize that this is a one-in-a-lifetime situation, albeit one that the Pens have enjoyed twice in my lifetime, the other being, of course, the Mario era.
Jason Mackey
1:20
I love Penguins fans, first off. Great group of people. Passionate and they enable me to do what I do for a living. That said, I think the fanbase has it really good -- and maybe doesn't always realize how good they have it. Now, I would do the same darn thing if I was a fan (beat reporters are not) but I think it's easy to forget how the other side lives.
Nick in VA
1:26
Good afternoon.  The Pens have been blessed with good goaltenders in the past.  Names like Barasso, Wreggett, Fleury. Lalime, and Murray to name a few (sure there have been some not so memorable ones too).  Can you tell me why the organization is so high on Casesy DeSmith over Tristan Jarry?  I understand that playing time is critical for goaltenders especially younger ones.  The Pens window is closing would it not be in their best interest to put the best players on the ice.  I for one was more impressed with Jarry last year that DeSmith.  Why not go back to that one two punch in goal like we had during the cup runs?
Jason Mackey
1:27
For one, Nick, I don't think the goaltending choice is set in stone. They easily could make a change. But I think the organization prefers DeSmith over Jarry -- at least right now -- because DeSmith has been better with sporadic duty. Jarry has a little of Fleury in him, in that he needs regular playing time to play well. They're working on him with that, and if Murray was hurt for, say, 4-6 months, you might see Jarry. But in a pinch, they feel safer with DeSmith.
john
1:27
What date does the prospect tournament start? I assume that's right around the corner. I'm intrigued to see if there are any more bellerive types. Rutherford mentioned at development camp that there was a player he had his eye on.
Jason Mackey
1:28
I think Rutherford was messing around, dangling a fictitious carrot, but whatever. Smart move by him. Tournament is Sept. 7-10, in Buffalo. I'll be there. Really excited for it, honestly.
Tyler
1:28
What are your thoughts on Jordy Bellerive?
Jason Mackey
1:28
I like him a lot. Really smart kid. Knows what he's doing. I think he needs to see stiffer competition and get a little bigger. But the brain and instincts are certainly there.
HB
1:28
Welcome back. With all the 5mil contacts that teams are throwing around would you try to sign guentzal now or wait for the end of the year where he might ask for 6mil?
Jason Mackey
1:29
Thank you. I don't think they have a choice. One, they can't pay Jake right now. Two, I think Guentzel and his agent are just fine waiting until after this upcoming season; there's a good chance he's going to drive up his value in a big way. So it's kind of a moot point.
Richard of Munhall
1:29
Jason--can't wait for the season 2 start. Any thoughts on what JR might do b 4 first puck drop? Perceived needs?  You're the best!!
Jason Mackey
1:30
Thanks, Richard. Appreciate the kind words. ... Honestly, GMJR is done. He's going to see what this team looks like on the ice, then proceed accordingly.
HB
1:30
Will Kessel be healthy at the start of the year.
Jason Mackey
1:30
Yeah, Kessel will be fine. There's no indication that what bothered him at the end of the season has lingered.
Connecting…