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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 8.23.18
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Steven
2:01
The player Joe mentioned is Joseph Cramarossa, who's signed for WBS on an AHL contract, so not eligible for callup anyway.
Jason Mackey
2:01
Thanks, Steven.
Steven
2:01
I was surprised at Sheahan only getting a one year contract that would make him a UFA next season. Do you think the Penguins made a mistake by having both of their bottom 6 centers as pending UFAs?
Jason Mackey
2:03
Potentially, but I think it's too early to tell. And I agree with you: I was also surprised that it was only a one-year deal. I do think Sheahan likes it here, though. So, conceivably, this is sort of like Schultz: If Sheahan plays well -- and maybe Brassard doesn't -- I don't think it's insane to think the Penguins would retain Sheahan. Basically the whole thing is wait-and-see, on a lot of levels.
guest
2:03
any chance they try and extend or resign Haglin?  With Sheary gone they need to keep his speed.
Jason Mackey
2:04
I don't think so. I think Hagelin (smartly) is going to see what he can get at market, and that number will be higher than what the Penguins are comfortable paying. If everything goes according to plan -- a scary idea, I know -- Thomas DiPauli should be able to fill in for what Hagelin brought. Key word there, of course, is "should."
Guest
2:04
Even with the signings of Hayes, Cullen, Grant, do you get guys (Simon, ZAR, Sprong) make the lineup?
Jason Mackey
2:05
Got this one before. I think Sprong will. The other two young guys could, but they're going to have to have strong camps. Ultimately the Penguins would like them too as well; they are the future. But they're not going to gift guys spots, that's for sure.
Guest
2:05
Sid apparently wants to play with Simon. Why? He’s a meh player so far and I don’t think he’s shown he’s good at Nythi g sufficiently to help Sid on the first line. do you really think Sully might play him there? Why not give Sprong u til the end of November to see if he can mesh with Sid?
Jason Mackey
2:06
Sid has wanted to play with Simon, hence why you saw so much Simon in the playoffs. I don't know where he currently stands with that or whether HCMS is going to acquiesce to that demand any longer. If Sprong is going to play, and I do believe he will, he has to be given a shot in that spot, although I think it would be better to ease him in. See what he can do with Brassard first. But I think Sprong will be given every shot to earn a significant role in the top-nine.
JC
2:06
How good do you think the Pens will be next season? Do you think there is another trade looming before the trade deadline for the pens? Have a arsenal of centers. Defense and Murray are concerning don’t you think? What is the best pizza place in western PA? Thank you kindly as always for doing this.
Jason Mackey
2:07
My pleasure. And thank you for asking a non-hockey question. Fiori's is my choice. Love it and glad we're again living near it. GMJR will make a deal before the deadline if the team warrants it. What happens with injuries? Are there holes? Plenty of things to assess before figuring out which direction GMJR goes, but he usually does something.
guest
2:07
shout out to your wife from allowing you to do this chat in your new home when I am sure you have a very long list of "to do" items :)
Jason Mackey
2:08
Shout out to my wife for a million things. She's absolutely amazing, on every level. It takes a special woman to be married to a beat reporter, trust me, and especially one like me -- who can be a bit obsessive about things. But she constantly understands, is encouraging and kicks %$^ at her own job as a nurse in addition to running our house.
Guest
2:08
Any chance Hagelin and Brass take pay cuts next season to stick around? Or do they walk? Know Jake is gonna bring in the big bucks but it could be possible to keep all 3 wouldn’t it?
Jason Mackey
2:09
It's possible, although not likely. And no, I don't think they would take pay cuts just to stay here. It's Hagelin's last chance at a nice payday. Guarantee he takes it. And Brassard is up in the air. Still have to ensure there's a fit here. I think there is, but we don't know that for sure. Best to wait and see all around with that stuff, on the team and player side.
RPK
2:09
Hi Jason, as it stands, the Pens don't have an answer for Tom Wilson running around and inflicting damage at will.  Will it ever change?
Jason Mackey
2:10
Few teams have an answer for Wilson's style. Even if they had Reaves -- which many around here didn't want, if I recall -- Wilson would still do his thing, then refuse to fight Reaves. Oleksiak can fight. ZAR is also a good fighter. I think they feel they're fine in that regard.
guest
2:10
who do you think Brassard wants to play with?  He seems to be out of sorts on this team and playing with who he prefers could get him more comfortable.
Jason Mackey
2:11
I think he wants to play with guys who have speed. He clicked with Rust. I don't know why that wasn't explored more. What I think Brassard wants is some steady linemates. He played with way too many people last season. Pick a couple, and let him find some comfortability, IMO.
Guest
2:11
Do you really think Sully will play Sprong regardless of what JR says? He seems to love his pluggers and grinders
Jason Mackey
2:11
Yes, I think Sully will play Sprong. GMJR is the boss, and he wants Sprong in the lineup. It's Sullivan's job to make it work.
Andrew
2:11
How close did the Pens get to trading Kessel this past offseason?  Was the market really so soft for a 92-point winger?
Jason Mackey
2:12
Not very close, from what I understand. Jim was willing to listen, but I don't believe he ever heard much. Kessel had a great year, but I'm willing to bet many teams didn't want to pay the money for a player who isn't great defensively and isn't getting any younger.
Zach
2:12
Do you feel “head-shots” and other illegal checks will be focused on by the league and officiating crew more this season? Especially after some attention has been brought to this issue during the Pens-Caps series. I enjoy your work as always
Jason Mackey
2:13
Thanks, Zach. I certainly hope so. Although the NHL has shown little ability to take head shots seriously. It's sad. They should be suspending the daylights out of guys who do it, to preserve safety and all that, but it hasn't happened yet. I don't have any good reason to believe it will change.
OK, folks. That does it. Thanks so much for participating. Always enjoy these. We'll do more in the coming weeks, as we ramp things up. Talk to yinz again soon.
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