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Matt Vensel's Penguins chat: 07.18.19
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Matt Vensel
1:44
I agree with you that these are players they should keep, not trade. But when you look at the contracts and consider how much space they will probably need to clear, they make the most sense up front. As I mentioned earlier in the chat, if I were the GM -- trust me, I'd make a lousy one -- I'd keep those two guys and find a way to shed Jack Johnson's contract. Rust and Bjugstad are simply better players.
Pat
1:44
Hypothetically, if the Penguins move JJ out with a 3rd, as you suggested, wouldn't the team have too many top 9 guys. IMO, Sid, Geno, Jake, Chucky, McCann, Hornqvist, Bjugs, Rust, Tanev, Kahun and even Simon can/should be top 9 guys. Wouldn't it be wise, when looking at some of their cap hits, to move them out regardless just to create more flexibility?
Matt Vensel
1:45
Depth up front was a major issue last season. Too often they only had one or two lines clicking at once. They need to get back to being able to roll four lines and feel good about it. If that means having, say, Rust or Simon on your fourth line, then so be it.
GG
1:45
As it stands, Pens have 12 forwards signed + RFA ZAR. Between those 13 forwards, only 3 are righties, and with all the trade talks, the 3 forwards I hear mentioned most are those 3 righties. Do you think they will struggle with so little right handed guys if one is actually moved?
Matt Vensel
1:46
You raise an excellent point, one I've thought a lot about when mulling potential lines. Clearly, they are not too concerned about it.
Bill
1:46
Matt, thanks for this chat forum. Love it! Do you have any updated info on any college free agent prospects that the Pens might be interested in?
Matt Vensel
1:47
Bill, take a glance at the list of current college players the Penguins had at their prospect camp last week. They are worth monitoring.
D
1:47
Last one. Any one at the prospects camp catch any one's eye?
Matt Vensel
1:49
Samuel Poulin was solid, as you would hope. Nathan Legare really impressed with his shot. I continue to be intrigued by Calen Addison. I wonder if he has any chance of making the NHL club this season. People were also buzzing about Larmi and Bellerive, too.
Andy
1:49
JJ - 3.25 x 5yrs... Tanev - 3.5 x 6yrs... Who gets the 3.75 x 7yrs contract next offseason?
Matt Vensel
1:50
I hope it's me. Maybe GMJR will see me playing pickup at the Lemieux Complex sometime and bring me in to be a third-pair D.
FR
1:50
Outside of writing, what are some of your other interests?
Matt Vensel
1:52
I'm a pretty simple man, FR. I love hockey. I've played for three decades (man, I'm getting old). I still skate a couple of times a week when the 9-to-5 allows it. I also have two kids under 4, so they keep me busy and keep me humble. I like good beer and good food, too. And I'm really pumped about fantasy football starting up soon.
P Fang
1:52
What do you think Simon's role will be this year...and will they quit thinking he is a top 6 forward?
Matt Vensel
1:53
I think he will continue to shuffle him throughout the lineup, unless he starts producing with someone in particular. I'd encourage you to not write him off yet. He's only 24 and just had a heck of a world championship. He could still be a 40-point guy.
Jab
1:54
How do you think the Penguins off season has gone?  Have they done enough to improve the team and become a force again in the division and during the play-offs?
Matt Vensel
1:56
When you are looking strictly at the team on paper, it's hard to argue that in terms of talent they got significantly better this offseason. But the Penguins believe the problem last season wasn't star-power but instead chemistry and desire. They are banking that the new guys they brought in will make them younger, faster and hungrier. We'll see if that's true and in turn makes them a real championship threat again. A big bounce-back season from 71 would go a long way.
anonymous
1:57
I live near and go to a lot of WBS Pens games. Do you ever come over to this side of the state to see them play? If I see you - I'll buy you a beer and some CraB Fries!
Matt Vensel
1:58
I made the trip last year to do a profile on Teddy Blueger and check in on Tristan Jarry and others, but I have yet to attend a game. I'll try to change that this season, if only to score some free crab fries.
1:59
OK, folks. That's it for today. Thanks for the questions. Some really good ones in there. We'll do this again soon, I'm sure.
2:01
Also, I forgot to mention this at the top, but Mike DeFabo officially joined the Post-Gazette this week. He'll be joining me on the beat this season and beyond. He's an award-winning journalist from Latrobe. I'm really excited about him coming aboard, and you should be, too. He's got a bunch of great ideas already. If you've got a Twitter, follow him at @MikeDeFabo. If not, keep an eye out for his work. And if you have any more Jack Johnson questions, he's your guy.
2:02
Have a great weekend, everyone, and try to stay cool out there.
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