You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Matt Vensel's Penguins chat: 06.27.25
powered byJotCast
Matt Vensel
9:30
Happy Friday, Penguins fans. NHL draft weekend is here. A lot to chat about, I'm sure. We'll get started at 11 a.m. today. Talk to you then.
Joe
11:03
If Dubas doesn’t trade Rust and Rakell before the end of July, assuming there are good offers for them, it will be a very disappointing. Height of their value, on good contracts, and we won’t be contenders for the life of their contracts, the next 3 seasons. Can’t let sentiment or Crosby make a different choice. Sorry Matt, as you seem to tout Rust’s leadership qualities regularly. Pens need an influx of younger players and to position themselves for the top pick in next season’s draft. It’s not about stat building for Line 1. Thoughts?
Matt Vensel
11:08
Hey, Joe. First off, when I talk and write about Bryan Rust and his leadership and his relationship with Sidney Crosby, I do so because those things are relevant from the Penguins' perspective. That's my reporting. As for whether Rust should be traded, I don't believe I have ever advocated one way or another. I can see the merits from both sides, and if the Penguins get a really strong offer for Rust, they should absolutely consider it. He's 33 and Kyle Dubas has indicated that he doesn't think a quick turnaround is feasible, so Rust probably doesn't fit their timeline to contend. Dubas just has to know that if he tears it down to the studs, something he previously said he didn't want to do, it likely means that Crosby never plays another playoff game with the Penguins. It's a difficult decision, one I'm thankful I don't have to make.
CL
11:09
Happy NHL Draft Day!
Matt Vensel
11:10
Thank you. Should be an exciting night with the Penguins having two early-ish picks and a lot of irons in the fire on the trade front.
Someone
11:10
The NHL draft is probably the hardest to predict in terms of development of any of the major sports. In that sense wouldn't it be best to use every pick we have to increase the odds of someone actually panning out? Make room in the minors by clearing out guys that didn't develop.
Matt Vensel
11:15
I definitely follow your logic with getting as many scratch-offs as possible. I don't know if the Penguins will draft a player with each of the 30 picks they have amassed over the next three years. For one, they will use some of those picks to trade up in drafts or to acquire young players, like they did with Philip Tomasino. Also, there is a limit to the number of players you can have under contract. And from a practical standpoint, you can get to a point where your system is too crowded. I know the saying is that "the cream rises to the top," but young players need minutes at the minor-league player to develop, and there are only so many to go around. But you are absolutely right in thinking that at this moment the more picks, the better.
J D
11:18
Matt, what are the chances that either Letang or Malkin will be traded?
Matt Vensel
11:20
JD, I expect both players to remain with the Penguins heading into next season. Evgeni Malkin will play out the final year of his contract here. And while there is a little bit more uncertainty with Kris Letang, who has three years left on his deal, he has a full no-trade clause and he cannot be moved unless he wants out. Same with Malkin.
Jason
11:20
Hey Matt! I’m praying the Pens move up in the draft and get Porter Martone! He kind of reminds me of a young John Leclair. What do you think the chances are they go after him?
Matt Vensel
11:24
Jason, Porter Martone is absolutely on their radar. For those who aren't familiar with the player, he's a big, goal-scoring winger from Brampton of the OHL. Problem is he's projected to go in the top five or six picks, possibly even third overall. I don't know if the Penguins have the ability to trade into that range, or if it would be worth the price. I think they are sniffing around, though. So stay tuned tonight.
Ryan
11:24
Matt do the penguins draft a player with Pittsburgh connections like Matt Cullens son or someone else
Matt Vensel
11:25
I wonder if they take a shot on L.J. Mooney, a local kid, in the second or third round. He's only 5-7 and had a down year, but he's fast and super skilled. Another name to file away later in the draft is Charlie Cerrato. He was at development camp last year then had an awesome second half at Penn State, helping them reach the Final Four. I think someone will draft him this time around. Maybe it will be the Pens.
J D
11:27
Matt, the Pens get 2 draft picks in the top 12 .  Are their backs up against the wall where they cannot miss on these?
Matt Vensel
11:28
I don't think it is a situation where they absolutely need to hit on both of those draft picks. Obviously, it would be a major disappointment if they whiffed on both. The way I look at this draft is that the Penguins have to find multiple future difference-makers with their 11 picks.
CL
11:29
Matt who are you wanting Pittsburgh to draft if they stay out at 11&12?
Matt Vensel
11:33
Purely for my own entertainment, I want them to take Kashawn Aitcheson with one of those picks. I got an opportunity to watch him play in the OHL last season when I spent three days shadowing a Penguins scout. In that game, he leveled a kid with a hard but clean hit in the neutral zone, then whooped another opponent in a fight when he came to the defense of his teammate. Aitcheson ended up getting a Gordie Howe hat trick in that game. Some prospect analysts question whether he can become a true top defenseman in the NHL. But if he continues to develop and makes it in the NHL, Aitcheson could bring needed physicality, toughness and swagger to the prospect pool while still being able to play a solid all-around game. I will stress that I am not an amateur scout. So take all this with a grain of salt.
1934321025
11:34
Draft a lhd and rhd combined with what we have the blueline set for the next six years. Best draft strategy? (Of course no Martone or Queen available).
Matt Vensel
11:35
Best strategy is to pick the top player on the board, and if there is a sensible trade-up opportunity, sure. It's cliché, but the Penguins aren't at a point where they should be thinking about positional need.
SouthHillsMike
11:36
Matt - appreciate all the work and your coverage of the Pens.  I know moving EK65 is a priority.  Do you think that could happen tonight (I know there is a large payment due EK around 7/1 and that milestone may have to happen before a trade).  Could Pens do some sort of pick swap plus EK65 to move up late 1st round.  Second question, have you heard any additonal information on Tampa Bay Issac Howard?  would love to see some pick bundle (2,3,4 combo) and maybe take back Connor Sheary contract for next year?  does that get it done?
Matt Vensel
11:40
Sorry, Mike, but I have no intel for you on Isaac Howard, other than noting that he absolutely fits the profile of the players the Penguins are targeting. He's young, has pedigree and has fallen out of favor with his current team. I should add that there is always a little bit of buyer beware when it comes to young players who are getting traded. Why are they available? As for Erik Karlsson, trading him would be pretty complicated. He has a full no-trade clause. His salary is massive and most likely requires retention from the Penguins. And he's not going to be everyone's cup of tea. NHL teams all saw what we have seen the last two seasons. Now, I'm not saying he won't be traded. I think it makes sense for the Penguins to move him if they get even a modest return. But it's hardly a guarantee for the reasons I outlined here.
11:41
That will do it for today's chat. Thanks for all the questions, and my apologies to those who didn't have theirs answered this week. Let's plan to do this again next Friday. Should be plenty to talk about in the aftermath of the draft and the first two days of free agency!
Connecting…