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Matt Vensel's Penguins chat: 06.20.19
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Guest
2:15
If GMJR wants to “win now”, would it make sense to trade the pick (that would get a player who isn’t ready now) to get a player who can help win now?
Matt Vensel
2:17
Sure. I mean, you can make a strong case for trading the pick and for keeping the pick, too. It all depends on the particulars of who would be coming in return for the 21st pick. Also keep in mind that the Pens could pick a prospect then use that prospect in a deadline deal or in a big trade next offseason.
Rich
2:17
Any chance the Pens revisit the Johnson-for-Rask swap with Kessel or Zucker attached?
Matt Vensel
2:18
Rich, do you mean just Johnson for Rask straight-up?
MA
2:18
Do you see the pens moving towards a more even playing season between our two goalies, similar to what the Isles did?
Matt Vensel
2:18
I think this is about the split they should shoot for, maybe a few more games for Murray. Obviously, though, you want them distributed throughout the season, not Murray missing a month due to injury and then playing 20 of the final 21 games or whatever it was.
Dan Mucy
2:19
Here's a thought....keep Kessel...and have Sully stop moving forwards from line to line to line constantly!   There's never any cohesion when a guy never knows when he's playing with what linemates!   That would benefit EVERY forward.  My main issue with Sullivan is way too impatient!
Matt Vensel
2:20
I agree with this. This past season was my first on the beat, as many of you know. I was stunned at how often Sullivan shuffled his lines. Some guys can just go with the flow, but I'm sure it affected others.
Rich
2:20
Yes, Johnson for Rask. One for one. Meant to say without.
Matt Vensel
2:21
Just a guess, but I don't think so given they moved Maatta's contract.
Holden McGroyn
2:21
Could Jarry be on the move?
Matt Vensel
2:22
Yes. He's more of a B-level prospect who at this point projects as an NHL backup or maybe a platoon starter. Next season, he will have to clear waivers if sent down. So the Penguins, especially after signing that 22-year-old goalie from the Liiga, would probably listen if a team came calling about Jarry. I like Jarry. He's kept a good attitude despite being leap-frogged by both Matt Murray and Casey DeSmith.
Guest
2:23
With Kahun coming in, there’s a logjam at wing. Things are looking pretty bleak for some people, is it possible any of the wingers (Simon/ZAR/Rust) could be let go?
Matt Vensel
2:24
That's the sort of stuff that will get sorted out in training camp. Well, except for Rust. If he's still on the payroll, he's on the NHL team.
Guest
2:24
I like Rust but he maybe superfluous with the new Dominik coming on board, especially at his salary. Why hasn’t his name been in the trade rumor mill?
Matt Vensel
2:26
That brings us to whether Rust could get traded. If Malkin and Letang aren't untouchable, that Bryan Rust certainly is not. But I think he is a really useful player and could potentially become a leader in the locker room, too. Now, did he live up to his contract in his first season making bigger bucks? He probably fell a little short, yeah. But he is a winning player who is willing to take on pretty much any role. I'm sure he would suit up as a goalie in practice if they asked him to.
Alan in Nashville
2:26
I love Kessel the player but considering his salary, it would be so nice to solve this dilemma by him re dedicating himself to the team and the style it wants to play.
Matt Vensel
2:27
Not a bad thought. Phil did seem to be doing that in the playoffs. But, yeah, you would like to see it in the six months before that, too.
JB
2:28
Kahun and Rust look to be very, very similar players (although Kahun has less penalty killing experience, his skill set should make him decent at it).  Do you get the sense that the team is stockpiling Bryan Rust 30-40 point versatile type guys, or do you feel that they're looking to have a "backup Rust" who is younger and cheaper if/when they hammer out a deal for 17?
Matt Vensel
2:29
I don't know enough about Kahun to say they are comparable players. It sounds like Kahun might be a little more skilled and poised with the puck. Rust's forechecking and all-around tenacity make him a good NHL player. But, regardless, the Penguins need to improve their depth up front after too often being a one- or two-line team last season.
Casey
2:30
What do you make of Blueger getting an offer from the KHL's Avangard? Anything? Or does it make Pittsburgh to make a real decision on whether or not they'll commit to his roster spot?
Matt Vensel
2:31
I had not heard about that. But I would be very surprised if Teddy waited all this time to work his way to the NHL then once he got there bailed to go play in Russia. Blueger will be a regular here in 19-20.
Danno
2:31
Jarry to Carolina for a mid round pick?
Matt Vensel
2:31
If you're the Pens, you probably say yes, right?
Rahn
2:32
IMO: Pens trade a little lower in the first round to snag a mid-second or early third and still get a Swedish or Finnish defenseman, since Allvin and his group have been adept at scouting/picking Europeans. What do you think, Matt?
Matt Vensel
2:33
I think that's a really smart thought, Rahn. If GMJR has that trade offer and they have a few guys they like still on the board, bang.
Guest
2:33
Besides Kessel, if you could see the pens trading anyone else right now, who do you think it is?
Matt Vensel
2:35
I mentioned this earlier, but I could still see something happening with Jack Johnson. Tristan Jarry could be on the move. And I wonder, with Justin Schultz set to become a free agent next season, if something is going to happen now with either him or Kris Letang. That's not me reporting something I've heard. Just me analyzing their situations and wondering if something might go down.
Rahn
2:36
One other IMO, since I'm on a roll: I think the team picks a goalie with one of those fifth-rounders they have. Scouting services say there's depth in the late rounds and the team could use a guy they can stash in juniors/European elite leagues/college for a while.
Matt Vensel
2:38
You are on a roll. The Penguins don't have a lot depth in the system at any position, and goalie is certainly no exception. Jarry, if he does stick around, is 24. And Emil Larmi, the goalie they just signed from the Liiga, turns 23 in a couple of months. They don't have any other goalies in the system to get excited about, although you can't rule out a late-bloomer. So, yeah, it would be nice to get another goalie in the pipeline.
JB
2:38
Thoughts on the Jacob Trouba trade?  The Rangers only gave up Pionk and the 20th pick for him...are he and his family so difficult to deal with that nobody would offer more, or is the market for good young defensemen actually that weak?  If the latter, everyone arguing for a Letang trade may want to lessen their expectations of it happening in the absence of a significant potential return...
Matt Vensel
2:41
The Jets were willing to move him because they are tight against the cap. And, as a restricted free agent, he is going to fetch a big deal soon. Given that the Rangers are trading assets to get him and then have to turn around and pay him, that's a reasonable deal. You'd think maybe the Jets could have done a little better, sure, but alas.
ANDYFROMBVA
2:41
How about Conor Sheary??? Reunion??? And the Pens should go after Simmonds
Matt Vensel
2:43
Wayne Simmonds certainly would be an interesting add after he injured Brian Dumoulin at the outdoor game, though I don't think that would prevent him from being welcomed into the room if they signed him. I've always been a fan of Simmonds. But he's 30 and plays a heavy game at times. You'd have to be careful with the term.
Rahn
2:44
Question for you: If Vegas would offer its second-round pick in 2020 (from the Pens for taking M-AF) and Colin Miller (they need to clear cap room) for Phil Kessel, does Rutherford take that? I would. Would give them a right-handed defenseman and could move Schultz, as you mentioned.
Matt Vensel
2:44
I think that would depend on the return for Schultz, as the Penguins want to make moves that make them better now first and foremost.
2:46
OK, folks. That's it for today. Thanks to all of you who submitted questions. If I didn't get to yours, check back next week. I'm guessing we will do this again with free agency right around the corner.
Have a great afternoon, everyone, and stay out of this muggy stuff.
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