King Jemison's Penguins chat: 11.06.26
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King Jemison
12:00
Alright, folks. Thanks for joining on this lovely day in Penguins land. Can't wait to get into it. Without further ado...
Jeff M.
12:00
Hi King, I keep reading Crosby never wants to play anywhere else. But it seems obvious a rebuild is about to start. Do you think he'd want to spend his last years as a mentor on a bottom of the league team?
King Jemison
12:03
Jeff starting with the big one! I can't pretend to speak for Crosby. He's expressed nothing but loyalty to the organization. But the fact that he isn't signed for next season indicates he's still mulling over his future. I don't know if that is just a retirement conversation, or if he would consider heading elsewhere. My opinion is that he deserves another chance to win, and it seems extremely unlikely that's coming in Pittsburgh over the next three years.
Kris
12:03
King, thanks for doing these.  I know folks want everyone traded right now, but unless a team that feels it's a real contender loses someone to injury, it's it more likely that that group of Karlsson, Rust, Rakell, et all isn't moved until late February up to the deadline of March 1st?  I think people are going to be very frustrated with more of the current situation for a good 3 more months.  Or am I missing something?
King Jemison
12:05
Hey Kris, I don't think you're missing anything. I don't think the market for those guys, as good as they can still be, is that robust to begin with. Anaheim couldn't give mid-30s winger Chris Kreider away this summer and had to terminate his contract. Karlsson is producing but has taken a step back defensively this year. I think you're right that a team could get desperate before the deadline and give up more than they would now. At the same time, Dubas has to be working the phones and bringing up some guys.
Gonna jump to one of the recent questions...
Jim
12:05
Would it be out of the question to suggest the lack of movement on Dubas' part is that he is kind of trying to be far enough out of it that he can justify to Sid and the others that we should FINALLY start the fire sale?
King Jemison
12:08
I don't think that's out of the question, though that's not my understanding of Dubas' thinking this summer. He indicated that he wanted the team to remain competitive. But if he really thought they could contend, he would have pushed chips in. Instead, he basically did a carbon copy of the previous summer, and it hasn't worked out nearly as well. My biggest criticism is that he didn't pick a lane. If he really wanted the team to be in rebuilding mode, why not trade more veterans before the season?
GHPeens23
12:08
We hate what we're seeing so far, but it's early November. What's the single most impactful move that could/should be made to start this team on a better path.
King Jemison
12:10
Good question. I would start by bringing up Hayes and McGroarty and giving them a long runway. Maybe they fail. That wouldn't make the team any worse. Or maybe their young legs provide a little boost, and the Penguins start to build some hope for the future. I would also bring up Brunicke as soon as he's healthy. The problem is, they don't have an open spot on the right side of the blue line.
FirstTimeLongTime
12:10
Hey KJ - when is the next media session with Dubas or even a Hoffman.  I would think there are some tough conversations to be had about the roster construction.  Also isn't it frustrating to see the things this team does poorly in Wilkes? Hayes (who I think would compliment crosby as he always seems to succeed with a player like this) Rutger, Brunnick Pickering.  Also I feel like these guys make Ville comfortable and he plays better with them.
King Jemison
12:12
Unless Dubas makes a major move, he may not hold another press conference until the trade deadline. Who knows when the Hoffmanns will be available, although they're certainly a lot more visible than FSG.
12:13
As for part 2 of the question, I definitely get the frustration. I'm not sure Hayes is skilled enough to play with Crosby, but it's worth a try. I don't think Novak is the answer on the top line, and they need to be moving off Rakell anyway. I definitely agree that Ville looks better when there are other young guys around. His confidence waxes and wanes as much as any player on the team. The other prospects really like him and respect him, and that boosts his confidence.
GHPeens23
12:13
To Jeff M's point, I don't think the Pittsburgh market can tolerate a "bottom of the league" rebuild. The season ticket base is not very high compared to other NHL cities, and I doubt the new owners have the stomach for a complete tear down.
King Jemison
12:15
Regardless of whether they can stomach it, I think it's coming. It will test new ownership. That said, they had to know what they were getting into when they bought the team. They said they wanted the team to contend because that's what everyone says. But they're smart people. They could see the situation. The hope has to be that the lottery balls fall their way and they get a superstar that can jumpstart the rebuild.
Bill b
12:15
How much value do Rust, Rakell, Karlsson etc. really have to other teams? Their play and age suggest that they are not at the top of any teams lists.
King Jemison
12:17
Spot on, from my read of the situation. There just isn't a big appetite for players in their mid-30s. I think all three of them could help a contender. Every Pens fan knows how valuable Bryan Rust is. Karlsson is still one of the best offensive defensemen in the league. But teams know Dubas has to make changes, so he'll be dealing from a weak position.
GHPens23
12:17
In a 32-team league with half making the playoffs, I think the chances of finding trading partners are much better if conditions are right. I mean, it only takes one team to take someone off your hands and maybe see that player as a real answer to a hole in their roster. For instance, Colorado found us to take Girard off of their hands...
King Jemison
12:20
Yeah, you're right. If a team under intense scrutiny like Edmonton or Toronto (and I'm just spitballing here) suddenly lost a winger or wasn't getting enough production from the blue line, Rust, Rakell or Karlsson gets a lot more attractive. Look at the Jarry deal last year. That was a good trade for the Pens because the Oilers made the deal under duress.
FirstTimeLongTime
12:20
KJ - From a Muse perspective and his background wouldn't you think he'd want the vets gone and younger guys here (obviously 87 & 71) if just for the simple fact that most often they take coaching and instruction better? Guys who are still learning and trying to stick are typically going to stay in their lane and the gameplan more often. (mistakes will happen with young guys but at least when young its a teachable moment)
King Jemison
12:22
Muse was hired in part thanks to his developmental background. I don't think anyone envisioned last year going the way it did, and suddenly Muse was in win-now mode. His greatest impact so far has been with depth players. He instills them with confidence to show more than they have before. You would think that would work with young guys as well, and it did last year with Kindel and Chinakhov. We haven't seen that really play out with other prospects. But if they really lean into the youth movement, that should allow Muse to be at his best.
Seven
12:22
King, read your article today about the hapless situation the Pens are in. Shouldn't they do what the Steelers have refused to do and that is to clean house, take your lumps, and get premium draft picks next year. It's tough to find superstars in the mid-to-late rounds.
King Jemison
12:24
I do think that's what they have to do, but it's more complicated with the Big Three. Dubas sort of has to let that play out naturally. Otherwise, yes, he should be dealing veterans, even if they can't get a ton for them, and doing what he can to pick at the top of the draft. That's the only path back to contention, but it'll be long and painful.
Tom Raymond
12:24
With only ONE Playoff series win in 8 years of being a GM mostly in Toronto, a very talented team isn't it time the Pens acknowledge that Dubas is NOT the boy genius GM the press and the team make him out to be? How can ANY GM take a Club and announce "WE will win Now and re-build for the future at the same time" ?? That is impossible;e and why the GM hs no clear direction with this Club. What say you?
King Jemison
12:26
This is a very fair take. Dubas' offseason deserves criticism — he didn't pick a lane. I wrote about that July 3rd, and it's still true today. That said, he's still very highly respected around the league, and I think that's because people can see he's in a tough position. He couldn't have torn the team down to the studs if he wanted to. If he doesn't take serious steps in that direction over the next few months, then the criticisms become even more valid.
Joe
12:26
When does the heat come down on Dubas who put this ineffective squad together, with useless forwards and a soft defense? He’s neither trying to win nor developing young players. If a top 5 pick is in our future, at least start the sell off and bring a bunch of prospects up from Wilkes to play around Sid and Geno
King Jemison
12:28
Similar question here. I have definitely noticed a whole lot more online anger at Dubas over the last few months. I wrote a big profile of the guy this summer. I think he's very smart and in a difficult spot. But it definitely doesn't reflect well on him that this is where the team is in Year 4 of his tenure.
Kris
12:28
I also continue to hear the noise about all the old guys.  But other than Kuzmenko, who is out their that is truly "old" that shouldn't be in this line-up?  I guess what I'm asking is what is considered the "young guys"?  I mean Robertson (24), Koivunen (23), Dewar (27), Lapierre (24), Chinakhov (25), Soderblom (25), Kindel (19), Korczak (25), Carlile   (26), Solovyov (26), Silovs (25), Murashov (22).  So what is the definition of old?
King Jemison
12:31
Good point, Kris. For as much as I and everybody else talk about an aging roster, they're actually middle of the pack in terms of average age. A lot of these guys are younger than me, and I'll be 28 next month. To me, all the guys you listed are "young." That doesn't mean they're all part of the Penguins' future. Carlile is a 26-year-old former undrafted guy. Solovyov (who I think is a solid player) was a seventh-round pick. They're not in the same category as prospects with higher ceilings who aren't playing like Brunicke and McGroarty (Brunicke missed the Baby Pens' last game with an injury, it must be said).
Seven
12:32
First off, I am a fan of your reporting Mr. Jemison. You have a talent that reminds me of former PG superstar Jason Mackey. I wish you had better material to work with this season. For my question, it is the one on everyone's mind: How long before the fire sale begins and is anyone beside Crosby and Malkin untouchable?
King Jemison
12:33
Thank you very much, Seven. Jason was very helpful to me as I jumped on the beat and fought for me to get the opportunity in the first place, along with now-PG sports editor Matt Vensel. As for the fire sale ... If there were teams beating down the door, I think the trades would have already happened. Dubas will probably eventually have to accept a lesser return than he'd like for these guys just to move on to a younger team.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:34
Hi King! Thanks for the chats! I believe the season is a wrap with the team losing at an alarming rate. Is it time to pull the plug and go with the youngsters now? It will guarantee a top 5 pick and the full rebuild can begin. Also, I see resignation on Crosby's face that I haven't seen before. Is it time to get Sid to a contender as well as moving Karlsson, Rust, Rakell and even Malkin?
King Jemison
12:37
Well, I'm sorry this is the first chat! I've been meaning to do one, but the practice and game schedule has been keeping me on my toes. I fully plan to make this a more regular occurrence moving forward, although the day will have to be flexible since their schedule changes week to week ... As for the question, I would go with youngsters now to the extent that they can. I agree that Crosby is looking quite unhappy. If he wants to go elsewhere, the Penguins should let him. But that's his decision. Since Malkin and Karlsson have full no-movement clauses, that's the reality for them as well. Rust and Rakell don't have the same protection.
FirstTimeLongTime
12:37
KJ - with the rising cap wouldn't it benefit Dubas to move vets for picks when looking at it from the perspective of being a player in the RFA market moving forward?
King Jemison
12:38
I see what you're saying. Honestly, the thing I look at with the rising cap is that it disadvantages the Penguins. And I'm not talking about what the Hoffmanns are or aren't willing to spend...we won't know that until it makes sense for them to be a cap team. I'm talking about the fact that Dubas has opened up a ton of future cap space, and now that's not going to help him as much since so many teams have that space as well — and can boast more advantageous situations on the ice.
Jim
12:39
King, Are you starting to notice a change in the fans attitude towards a rebuild? I feel like alot of us are ready for the tear down to the studs rebuild as this current roster provides absolutely no hope for contention at any point in the future as currently constructed.
King Jemison
12:40
For sure, Jim. Just look at Penguins Twitter or this chat today. The best thing about this awful start to the season is that it has killed any illusions that the team can compete. That doesn't mean a rebuild is going to be fun. Just look at Chicago now or the pre-Sid years in Pittsburgh.
GHPens23
12:40
Is it fair to say that the needle CAN be threaded without spending 3-5 years as a cellar-dweller? You certainly need some luck (Toronto winning the lottery), but look at Boston and Washington and what they've done. Certainly the top of the draft is where the superstars are, but even that element (see Edmonton) is no guarantee. I keep coming back to the size of the league now--there are just more complexities a "x"-factors.
King Jemison
12:42
Yeah, I do think it's possible, and you bring up good examples. Boston and Washington were willing to trade core pieces, and they're much better off because of it. I spoke to multiple national NHL media folks this summer who think the Penguins can turn this around relatively soon. The depth in their prospect pool and their future draft assets will help. But they have to nail multiple drafts in a row, and they have to hope some of their young guys exceed expectations.
Tom Raymond
12:42
Small slow and old is no way to go thru an NHL season and expect success. Further lack of re-build strategy execution and stick with it is ALSO no way to go thru seasons in the NHL. Unfortunately thats what we have w Dubas as GM. I feel sorry for Muse. He is a good Coach that has been handed a lousy roster of half one way, half another way and LOTS of NO WAY. How does he Coach successfully given this situation?
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