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Matt Vensel's Penguins chat: 06.06.19
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Matt Vensel
1:48
Hey, guys. Thanks for stopping by. I'll start answering your questions in about 10 minutes or so. In the meantime, feel free to leave one yourself. Anything that doesn't have to do with Phil Kessel or Jack Johnson would be much appreciated because I see we've already met our quota when it comes to queries about those two guys. Thanks!
1:56
Alright, let's do this. We'll start, of course, with some Phil...
Christian
1:56
Hi Matt, in every work place sometimes you have to make small changes for the better. Since Phil has been traded from two teams and likely his third very soon. At what point does he say maybe I need to change? One would think if he’s in a situation in Pittsburgh where he has one two cups, isn’t the “main guy”, and where the fans adore him and the organization still wants to trade him. To me that would be a wake up call.
Matt Vensel
1:59
Christian, I hear what you are saying. On the flip side, Phil has been productive in three different places now. He's been an All-Star. He's won a couple of Cups. So I can see why he might think that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'm not saying that's the right approach. But I can see why he might be stubborn, and I can also see why the Penguins would want to move on. It's one thing to have one star who might be a bit of a pain in the butt. But when you have Malkin and Letang who also seem to be a little bit stubborn, too, that's a problem...
pozone
1:59
Any chance Pens deal with F;yers? Say Kessell for Vorachk and Gudas
Matt Vensel
1:59
My thought on trading Phil within the division is that if you feel that he's that big of a problem, why not send him to a rival?
Guest
1:59
Do you believe that(1) the Pens are in discussions with the Florida Panthers to trade Malkin there and (2) Malkin wants to waive his no movement clause to play in Florida?
Matt Vensel
2:00
No. At this point, the expectation is that Malkin isn't going anywhere.
Eddie
2:00
Does the signing of Larmi mean anything to Jarry's future in the organization. Or are Jarry's days numbered counting down to June 21?
Matt Vensel
2:02
They are tied together for sure. Jarry is a solid goaltending prospect but he's not a kid anymore, he's blocked by Murray and DeSmith is an ideal backup because he is comfortable in that role. And with Jarry subject to waivers this fall, the Penguins will probably listen to offers for him, though he's more of a B-level prospect in my expectation. Larmi, who just won the Liigga at 22, would replace him for WBS unless he really turns heads during training camp.
Dodsamson
2:02
Why the urgency to trade kessell? It has to be something outside the rink.can you please explain what the problem is. Thanks
Matt Vensel
2:05
To my knowledge, it's nothing like that. Kessel is a bit of a freelancer, he avoids contact and he isn't afraid to voice his opinions, so there has been friction with the coaching staff at times. When you throw in the fact that he had a bad year at 5-on-5 and cost the Penguins a few shorties with some lackadaisical work on the PP, and you can see why the Penguins may want to move on. Now, I don't think they will just give him away. I think they can and should wait for the right deal.
GPT
2:05
Despite his posturing, do you think GMJR will insist that a team take Jack Johnson if a trade is consummated?  He has to know what a possession anchor JJ is, right?
Matt Vensel
2:07
I don't believe he will have that kind of leverage in a trade where he can insist another team takes on an unfavorable contract. Now, he can try. But as we saw with the rumored deal with the Wild, the Penguins to move Jack may have take back another team's problem contract.]
Mark
2:07
Matt, I just read on Mackey's chat that you previously covered the NFL teams in Min and Bal.  Because of that, I think you should cover the Steelers and Batko cover the Pens.  I talked to Brian, he wouldn't mind switching.  What do you think?
Matt Vensel
2:07
I'm happy covering the Penguins. I'm a hockey guy.
vensel
2:08
Are you any relation to the Vensels of Vensel Enterprises in Illinois? They run a real good outfit over there. Good folks, good products, fair prices. Thanks!
Matt Vensel
2:08
No, but they got some free advertising in this chat just now.
fan
2:08
You mentioned you used to play some low level hockey. Who for and was it paid or amateur? That is really cool!
Matt Vensel
2:10
Haha. No. When I said low level, I meant, LOW level. I played some club hockey in college. That's it. Just for fun. I'm still open to getting paid to play hockey, though, if you happen to own a pro hockey team.
Guest
2:10
Hi Vensel, my uncle was saying that you are cousins with Kurt Angle, the PA Olympic Wrestler. That is cool - is he a nice guy in real life? Thanks!
Matt Vensel
2:10
This is news to me.
thad5192
2:10
with given a deal will prow get a shot, uick right hander,was behind gudbranson Johnson and Trotman for 3d line last year with all 3 maybe gone does he have a chance, believe you gotta develop younger guys and he cant be that far behind any of those characters
Matt Vensel
2:13
I believe Ethan Prow will be an unrestricted free agent and it would not be surprising if he looked for an opportunity elsewhere. Prow, who turned 26 during the season, is a bit of a late bloomer but was an AHL All-Star last season. The Pens opted to bring up Trotman over him, though, in part because they needed help on the PK after all those injuries. Other teams will have interest in a puck-moving righty.
remember
2:14
Remember Jordan Stahl who used to play for the Pens? Any chance the Pens might try to lure him back to PGH with a sweet contract? He brought a lot of morale to the locker room and had good body language on the ice. Teammates rallied around him. What team is he on now anyway?
Matt Vensel
2:14
That name rings a bell.
Yes, of course, I remember Jordan Staal. He's under contract for a few more years in Carolina, so the Penguins would have to trade for him.
PENS IN 2020
2:15
Hi Matt, weird question, but what are pucks made of? It looks on tv like maybe wood with a leather type of cover that makes it glossy, but I can't tell. I grew up out west and never played hockey. I became a fan when I moved to Pennsylvania. Thank you!
Matt Vensel
2:15
Vulcanized rubber.
Guest
2:15
Do you think pens consider signing another teams rfa?
Matt Vensel
2:16
Seems unlikely. They certainly don't have the room for a Point or Marner. Will be interesting to see what happens with those two.
Guest
2:16
Do you think JR realizes that he needs to get rid of JJ this summer and has been actively trying? He should be the first player out the door
Matt Vensel
2:16
He was linked to the Wild in the Kessel trade, so yes.
Ollie
2:16
It seems like I have regressed as a skater and player, for no apparent reason. Any thoughts as to why?
Matt Vensel
2:17
This is a good question you asked about yourself, Mr. Maatta. Some have theorized that injuries have slowed him down, but I'm not sure about that. I just think that even though Olli works about as hard as anyone on the team, he just hasn't made strides (no pun intended) as a skater. Meanwhile, the league keeps getting faster and faster...
Randy B
2:17
Hi Matt. What's the likelihood that both Maatta and Johnson are gone from this team before the start of next season?
Matt Vensel
2:18
Randy, I think they will deal one or the other. Not both.
nhl
2:18
Now that the NHL is fazing out the GOONS, who will stand up for the little guy and help police the action on the ice? MLB is cutting down on throwing at players, which is leading to more fights on the field and in the stands. Should the NHL Commish ease up on GOONS and let them handle the business that Goons are meant to handle? Thanks Matt
Matt Vensel
2:19
I don't know about you, but I'd rather watch fast, skilled players play beautiful hockey than a bunch of guys who can't skate wrestle.
I do think the NHL has to do more to address hits to the head. But I don't think more guys punching each other in the face is your answer.
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