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Matt Vensel's Penguins chat: 06.06.19
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Guest
2:19
Matt, it was very brave of you to admit in your last chat that you used to cover the Ravens. I think people here will get past that transgression. Who do you see the Pens drafting in RD 1?
Matt Vensel
2:22
I had fun covering the Ravens. They were good to me. I mean, I was getting paid to watch pro football. Was I supposed to turn it down? Haha. Anyway, considering where they are picking (No. 21), it's hard to say who will be available. But this morning I posted a little primer on the first round of the draft that mentioned some possibilities: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2019/06/06/2019-nhl-draft...
Guest
2:22
What is JR going to do with his second most expensive defense in the league? Please tell me he at least sees a problem there
Matt Vensel
2:23
I think at least one move will be made there. I believe Jim Rutherford saying that this is the best corps of defensemen he has had here was posturing on his part. Not sure saying, "Who wants to trade for one of these bums?" would have helped him with the other GMs.
Guest
2:23
Do any of the players stay in Pittsburgh over the summer or do they all go elsewhere ?
Matt Vensel
2:24
Some stay here. Some go home. Some train in places like Toronto.
Guest
2:25
Has Cullen made a decision yet?  Do you think they would bring him back ?
Matt Vensel
2:26
I have not yet heard what Matt Cullen plans to do. I thought he was a solid fourth-line center last season and he is a consummate pro, so I think the Penguins would be open to him returning. That said, Teddy Blueger is ready to step into a bottom-six center role.
kevin in Punxsy
2:27
Wow, you say not to ask questions re: a hot dog eater and the 1st question is about him.  What do you think the Pens can get for Oli Maatta?
Matt Vensel
2:28
I think the Penguins could get something of value in exchange for Maatta. He is somehow still only 24, which blows my mind because it feels like he was on the 1991-92 Cup team. And he has played in a lot of playoff games. I could see a team wanting to acquire him.
Randy B
2:28
Hello Matthew. What free agent wingers do you think the Penguins will pursue? Ferland?
Guest
2:28
Will the Pens be overpaying for Ferland in free agency in an effort to get even more of the “pushback” that JR loves?
Matt Vensel
2:30
The Penguins did have interest in Ferland at the trade deadline, so maybe. He had a quiet playoffs, which could keep his price down.
Bill
2:30
Do you see the pens possibly making any small moves to get a few more picks ? given how deep the draft is supposed to be
Matt Vensel
2:32
The Penguins, understandably, have been in win-now mode under Jim Rutherford and given the return in that Wild trade, that does not appear to be changing. So maybe they will try to add another pick in the second and third rounds, where they currently have no picks. But I think the focus will be on giving it their best shot in 2019-20.
Guest
2:32
Best guess: Pens will keep their first round pick or trade it in a deal for a player?
Matt Vensel
2:33
Given GMJR's track record, there's no question they would deal it if they felt it could help them now. But I think they will keep this one.
Old Guy
2:33
I know it is counterintuitive, but I think hockey was better in the Mario era when there were lumbering defenseman that the skilled players dominated one on one. Everyone is fast now, this no one stands out
Matt Vensel
2:33
To each their own.
Go for 7
2:33
Sorry if I sound ignorant on this point, Matt, but maybe you can help. During a game, why does the home team get a "last change?" Can't the visiting team just change again to nullify that?
Matt Vensel
2:34
That's one of the advantages of being the home team. Visitors throw out their five skaters then the home team gets to match. This is key when a coach wants to avoid certain matchups. But the visitors can just make a line change ASAP after the puck is dropped.
Guest
2:34
Do you or any members of the media talk to JR during this time? I’m just waiting or him to come out and deny he’s trading Malkin and that he’ll be part of the team next year. Why hasn’t he come out and denied it given his comments after the playoff loss indicating he didn’t see Geno as part of his future core?
Matt Vensel
2:35
I think Jim would listen to serious offers for Malkin, but again, I don't think Malkin is going anywhere this offseason unless he wants out.
J
2:35
With the Pens aging do you see trades of Letang, Horny, and some of the 30+ guys over the next year or two if we continue to play below our ability? At some point we are going to have to look at rebuilding with how we have spent the youth the last 5 years.
Matt Vensel
2:39
Whether you agree with it or not, the plan is to try to go for as many Cups as possible before Sidney Crosby retires. They'll worry about the rebuild once Crosby is done. At that point, it might be ugly, like the 2003-04 season. But I'm not going to fault them for going for it. I say that referring to Malkin and Letang. Obviously, Kessel is probably going to get dealt in the next few weeks here. As for Hornqvist, he is over 30, has a history of concussions, has a big contract and is coming off maybe the worst season of his career. I doubt they find a taker for him if they want to move on. Now, this team will look a lot different, I'm sure, in 2-3 years. But I don't see a mass exodus right now.
OHIO412FAN
2:39
Matt, thanks for the chat. Appreciate your writing and articles. Well done. Anyways, what can we expect from the Penguins this offseason? Changes? Additions? Surprises?
Matt Vensel
2:41
I think there will be change but not an overhaul. There is a strong core here and some younger players with promise. The Penguins just have to do some tinkering to find the right mix to go along with it. That means some change at forward, with Kessel likely being replaced by another vet, and sorting out the logjam along the blue line.
OHIO412FAN
2:41
Where do you think the Penguins need to improve most positions wise?
Matt Vensel
2:41
If they trade Phil, they're going to need a top-six right winger.
Francis
2:42
What is the title of the guy who sit in the box with penalized players?
Matt Vensel
2:42
Penalty box attendant.
2:43
Last call for questions, folks. We'll be wrapping this up shortly.
OHIO412FAN
2:44
Is it me, or is it that Dominik Simon is MS’s favorite when in reality he’s the complete opposite to everyone else like me? I get why Sullivan would like him, but does he really offer that much to the team moving forward?
Matt Vensel
2:46
I just think it's all about expectations. Simon is a useful, young player. He's a playmaker who is kind of in the Derick Brassard mold, IMO. I think he still has room to grow. And he's cheap right now. That said, I'm not sure he would have been my pick to skate next to Crosby with the season on the brink. So again, it's all about how he is used. But I remain intrigued by the possibility of him actually producing.
Guest
2:46
Blues bruins have been fun to watch .  Makes me long for our cup runs .  I hope the pens are watching and come back hungry again
Go for 7
2:46
Who wins the Cup?
Matt Vensel
2:47
I'm rooting for the Blues because they haven't won it, but I think the Bruins will win in 7. I'm just glad it's been a good series so far.
2:48
OK, that's all for today. Thanks for stopping by, everyone, and thanks to those who submitted questions. Apologies if I didn't get to yours. I got to as many as I could. I'm sure I will be doing another chat before the draft, which starts two weeks from Friday. Talk to you then!
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