Joe: One local publication says the Pens may have offered Hornqvist 3 years at $5.5 mil in September and his agents wanted a 5-year contract. Do you know anything about this? If he wants 5 years at $5.5 mil, sign the man now JR! That's very reasonable and he'll get more if he goes to free agency. Agree?
Jason Mackey: Hi, Joe. I don't know the "local publication" you're talking about. We didn't report that. Neither did the Trib, DK or the Athletic, to my knowledge. And those are the only local publications who travel, who are around the team every day and who have access to the GM. So, I would love to see what you're talking. I could have missed it, but I have not heard anything similar. To your point, I would first try to go four. That fifth year worries me. You're also not negotiating in a vacuum. Does he have five from somewhere else? That skews things.
Joe: Has there been any discussion again about limiting Letang's minutes as Rutherford previously said? He's really not been any good and he's hurting the team playing 25-26 minutes a night. He should work his way back with lesser minutes. I know Sullivan doesn't like to express his real thoughts, but has he said anything about why he is playing him so much. Maatta has been the team's best defender so far.
Jason Mackey: Yeah, Sullivan generally won't tell us what he's thinking. Does sometimes, but he likes to keep that sort of thing tight to the vest. There's also no change in sight for Letang; with Schultz out, he'll get all the power-play time he can handle. Part of it stems from needing Letang to kill penalties. He's very good at doing it. I personally don't have a problem the minutes Letang is playing. Are you telling me that, if he plays 22 instead of 26 minutes, he's going to be better? It's not his fitness that's the issue. You could also argue that playing him less hides the issue ... well, how he's supposed to work out of it? Letang has enough of a track record that I would keep faith and expect a rebound.
Joe: Jason, have you heard anything more about any trades in the works? The bottom six is still a problem and I think they need another defenseman.
Jason Mackey: I do think they're going to do something to address the bottom-six. It just got a little more complicated, though, with the injury to Schultz.
Cosmo K: On faceoffs in your defensive zone, do the "defending" players always have to be lined up the same way? Can the offensive players on the point be defensively covered or are they by rule not allowed to be covered? Thank you for your most excellent coverage of the Pens!
Jason Mackey: Thanks, Cosmo. I'm not sure what you're asking, though. Teams can line up however they want ... so long, of course, as they're not on the other team's side of the puck, if that makes sense.
Justin Schultz: How long will I be on injured reserve?
Jason Mackey: I'm saying until mid-January.
Gregg McKegg: Why was I placed on waivers? What the heck?
Jason Mackey: You were a healthy scratch, Kegger, and really squeezed out of a lineup spot.
Swan Fendler: Rutherford for the most part has done quite well in his time here, but I think he has whiffed on his moves this year.
Jason Mackey: It's tough to argue, Swan. Niemi was a disaster. Best I can say about Hunwick is that it's still early. Sheahan isn't going to score with any consistency, and they still need to address that spot. I'll give Jim this, though: It ain't even close to over, and his team's still in contention. Jarry helped. If he gets a bonafide 3C, they'll be fine.
joe: Is it looking good for a 3-peat ?
Jason Mackey: Sure. It's also incredibly premature to talk about that now. Let's revisit in March or April, at the earliest. Long season.
Daniel Sprong: What is Rutherford and Sullivan waiting for...call me up already!! I'm ready to play!
Jason Mackey: It doesn't sound like you are, Dan.
Phil Phillouphophussis: Where do you see the Pens finishing when all is said and done?
Jason Mackey: I say 1-3 in the Metro, and I really don't think it matters which. Just avoid the No. 4 or 5 spot. I see them as one of the best two teams in the East, along with Tampa. Right now, in the ECF, I'd give the edge to the Lightning based on depth.
HB: Is jimmy still looking to trade cole or does Schultz’s injury change that?
Jason Mackey: Don't have a real good sense of that, HB. Need to do some reporting; we only found out the extent of it about 90 minutes ago.
HB: I’ve never seen you tweet during a Steelers game before are you a fan of football/Steelers?
Jason Mackey: I am. Grew up playing football. Very much love it. Watch every Steelers game. Try to watch as much NFL as possible on Sundays. Although I'm having a tough time processing everything that has come out this week, I'll be honest.
HB: Here’s a fun toss up who’s player safety department is more of a joke the nfl or nhl?
Jason Mackey: I think the NFL might take the cake after that mess yesterday. What a cluster.
HB: Have you talked to malkin about Russia being banned from the Olympics?
Jason Mackey: No. He has not been available to us since that news broke. He will be asked, by me or someone else, the next time he talks. I think it's relevant, and fair, given the stance he's taken with Team Putin and his comments following that about rallying Olympic-centric support.
Foghorn Leghorn: Boy, I say, boy, the holiday season is sneeeeeeeeeeaaaaaking up on us! What did you ask the jolly old man for?
Jason Mackey: Foghorn, my man. Gift certificates. For clothes. Also probably an improved SiriusXM situation and maybe the Nintendo/Super Nintendo games that came out.
HB: Do you see Rutherford making more hainsey/streit trades at the deadline?
Jason Mackey: I do. Was actually talking to Sam about this yesterday. Get the sense this year might look a lot like last. Make an early move, then polishing things up -- with a D -- at the deadline. I believe Rutherford will do something in December.
Lauren: I noticed Guentzel and Maatta had assists on the same goal in the past two games. Do you think they have chemistry on the ice or is it a coincidence?
Jason Mackey: I think that's probably a coincidence, Lauren. They play different positions. I think what you're probably seeing there is Maatta continuing to have a very good year and Guentzel being on a bit of a hot streak scoring-wise.
Steven: Got a Reaves question for you (so surprising, I know).
Reaves currently receives the least amount of TOI per game of any forward appearing in 15 or more games. There's clearly very little trust there between Reaves and Sullivan, which I think is entirely fair from Sullivan.
Evander Kane, Marco Scandella and Ristolainen's antics over the weekend are in a long list of incidents that have occurred to the Penguins players under Reaves' watch.
With Reaves unable to prevent anything, and contributing such a little amount when it comes to hockey, why does Reaves remain in the lineup over better hockey players like McKegg and Archibald (as well as WBS call up candidates like Dea and DiPauli)?
Jason Mackey: Funny, I never get asked about Ryan Reaves. ... The Penguins clearly value the toughness Reaves brings, as evidenced by him continuing to dress but not really play all that much. I think, for whatever reason, they want to have that nuclear deterrent on the bench. You can disagree, and most in this forum do, but the Penguins want that and believe it has lessened the abuse their stars have taken. Again, feel free to disagree, but I'm providing their reasoning, the same as I do every week. I don't understand it, either. If you have the guy, play him. Or don't have him.
OHIO412FAN: Jason, it seems the Penguins have been far from consistent this season in terms winning streaks and losses. They don’t seem right now to have the same punch they use to have last year. Chemistry a problem? They could use a legit center on third line. Maybe I’m wrong, but, I feel like we’ve been here before. Bad early season starts and super strong finishes to the season and playoffs. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey: They have been inconsistent, yes. But I'm not going to chalk that up to chemistry. There have been real reasons they've struggled. Own-zone coverages. Puck management. Shoddy goaltending. Bad starts. Not enough offense from key sources. Awful penalty killing. I wouldn't say chemistry, or the lack of it, is a huge issue at this point.
OHIO412FAN: Injury updates on Murray and Shultz? I know they are both week to week, but I would like to know when is the earliest both can return.
Jason Mackey: Murray is week-to-week, maybe 7-10 days more. Schultz probably until early next year.
Mike in Kennedy: How should GMJR navigate the pursuit of more Cups now while at the same time striving to prevent a future Sabres-like era of losing when the aging stars depart or "hit the wall" around the same time?
Jason Mackey: Same way he's been, Mike. The Penguins have done a solid job at re-stocking their system through innovative ways, mainly college free agents, guys like Di Pauli, Aston-Reese and Prow. They also have an asset in Jarry that will require some strategic management -- how to maximum the return there. But the Penguins, to keep winning, need to have a higher batting average with developing players, and they've shown the ability to do that under Rutherford.
OHIO412FAN: At this point in the season, where do you see the Penguins needing improvement most? Trade deadline ideas?
Jason Mackey: Same as it was: third-line center. Third line has to score more than it's been. I still think they could use another defenseman as well.
Logan: Potential trade targets?
Jason Mackey: Players on other teams.
Random: Heard pens will trade Sprong for young, cost controlled center, truth?
Jason Mackey: Folks: If you're going to bring "I heard" or "I saw" ... please link where you heard or saw. I'm not going to comment on garbage reports, and if we're going to entertain stuff that hasn't happen, in this sense, I'd like to be attributing it to someone. Thanks.
Daniel Sprong: Am I the first callup? If not, who is?
Jason Mackey: I think you are, Dan.
Jimmy Rutherford: Who am I looking to move(expect Cole) for depth up-front.
Jason Mackey: Hagelin would be a good move, if you can get someone to pick up that salary. I might even take back money. I'd hold onto Jarry. Sheahan should be available, if anyone wants him. Other than that, picks and prospects.
Jimmy: Do you Think we see Murray playing in Vegas? Looks like Fleury will be.
Jason Mackey: Yeah, it does look like that, Jimmy. ... I could see that happening. I wouldn't rule it out.
Logan: Is it true that Cole's agent was your source for the trade rumors and that he was the one who requested a trade when Cole was scratched?
Jason Mackey: I'm not going to publicly identify my source here ... or anywhere, really, when those people requested anonymity to discuss what they did.
Phil L: Me & My Uncle, or Mexicali Blues?
Jason Mackey: Mexicali Blues.
PM: Hey Jason. Is their a reason McKegg was sent down? Just to give him playing time down there? Sprong or someone else going to get called up? Trade incoming? Thanks a lot 😁
Jason Mackey: More just to give him playing time and get an extra defenseman up here. What's weird, though, is that Archibald should be their 13th forward, and he's not here. Although, to be fair here, McKegg cleared; he's not yet been sent down. They can, if they want, keep him.
Bonie: Hi from France Jason! As I should be the only French to weekly follow your chat, I anticipate you will have highlight my question. More seriously, when I look at the leader stats right now, and check the scores every morning when I wake up (yeaaaah the games are played at 1am in my french timing...) it seems like the NHL should have succeeded to improve the product (more PPs, more goals, highlight-reel goals seem to be scored in bunches this year,...). First, do you agree with this statement? If so, have you anticipated this during the summer? And second, is it a result of the NHL measures (officiating, rules,...) or is it due to a particularly skilled new generation with players like McDavid, Laine, Matthews, ... entering the danse while Crosby, Malkin, Kane, Stamkos, Ovechkin,... are still productive stars? I assume it is a little bit of both reasons but I’d like to know the main one for you. Anyway, I would like to thank you for this space, I can’t miss one of them...
Jason Mackey: Thanks, Bonie, for participating all the way from France. North Versailles is a long, long way. ... Anyway (kidding with that last one, by the way) ... to your points, I don't really see any rhyme or reason game-wise for the uptick in scoring -- meaning power plays, etc. I think you are onto something with the number of young stars in the game. Also, it's just sort of a stylistic thing, but because of what the Penguins have been able to do the past two seasons, a lot of teams are playing fast, uptempo games. That tends to bump the goal numbers up.
Guest: What was the very best conversation you've ever had with a Penguins player that you can share? I know Crosby usually has some crazy/phenomenal hockey tidbits he somehow remembers when no one else does or the story about him telling someone how a plane wasn't likely to crash because of (all these mechanical things no person in their right mind actually knows).
Jason Mackey: Good question here. Best conversation I've had with a Penguins player ... I'm going to go with Tom Kuhnhackl and Wegman's. One of my favorite places. One of his, too. We discussed the intricacies of their subs, and it was glorious.
Willie: Right now, by percentage of points earned, the Penguins are in sixth place in the Metro. They'd have to finish at least fifth to grab a wild card spot. Which teams ahead of them in the division do you see them passing by game 82?
Jason Mackey: Let me answered that this way, Willie: By the time things shake out, I see only the Capitals and Blue Jackets as being capable of finishing above the Penguins. The others? The water finds its level; it'll even out.
RandomHockeyGuy: Any new names floating around as possible 3C targets? Think Rutherford looks more at a rental or older vet like a Bozak? I'd like to see more of a Sam Reinhart, Devin Shore, Bjugstad type....younger guy that maybe hasn't developed as much as original team hoped. Hate to have to do this whole 3C search again in a year or two.
Jason Mackey: You're warm. They want a younger guy under club control for a little. The longer we go with this, the less I think Bozak is an option. Have also heard the Vegas guys, so maybe Erik Haula? Bjugstad would be terrific. Vince Trocheck, too. But I have a tough time seeing Florida trade either one.
Alex: By the trade deadline, which teams are buyers? Which are sellers?
Jason Mackey: Of all 31? Little much, Alex. How about the division. I think everyone will look to buy outside of maybe Philly.
DO: If it hasn't been asked yet… what's your take on the Cole situation? It seemed completely obvious he was a trade piece and now he's playing again. Is JR trying to keep his value up by doing a fake out ("see, he really is worth this much!") or a deal fell through?
Jason Mackey: I wonder if a deal didn't fall through. Also, in the NHL, it's not weird for a GM to healthy scratch a guy to get everyone else's attention. "Hey, why's _____ not playing?" As I said earlier, the Schultz injury changes things. It's also possible that Jim didn't like the potential return.
ZAR: All this talk about Sprong but nothing about me? Must not be looking that good in WB, agree?
Jason Mackey: I think you're fine, Zach. As I understand it, you had some wisdom teeth issue at the beginning of the season that you had to get fixed.
Brian: I understand that solid d-men are at a premium in the NHL but I am skeptical that Ian Cole will net a good enough return to be worth trading especially because of the depleted depth on the Pens blue line. Do you think his value is adequate enough to net the Pens a good 3C that will make losing him worth it?
Jason Mackey: Hey Brian. I do think Ian Cole would be valuable enough to net what they need. To a team like, say, Buffalo -- just arbitrarily picking one here -- he has value because of his experience, one. But also because of his work ethic, likability and style. Those are important things on a building team.
Willie: Several rankings of the league's farm systems have the Penguins' at or near the bottom of the list. Does the organization believe / recognize there's that significant a dearth of young talent?
Jason Mackey: I wouldn't put a ton of stock in what you're looking at, Willie. Those rankings didn't blow up the Penguins a couple years ago, did they? Then you have a bunch of young kids come up and contribute to back-to-back Cups. The organization doesn't think there's a dearth of young talent, believe me. But you better believe they're always going to be searching for more.
Logan: Why is there only 12 fowards on the NHL roster?
Jason Mackey: I don't know what you're talking about. NHL media site has 14 listed. So does the external site.
dave: Nothing good seems to happen when Letang is on the ice. Why didn't they scratch him instead of Cole? Are there some internal politics involved?
Jason Mackey: By internal politics do you mean the fact that he makes $7.25 million, and that's a lot of money to sit in the press box? Or maybe the fact that he's tied for the NHL lead in assists by a D man? Look, Letang has had his struggles, but they're not going to healthy scratch him, for crying out loud. Sometimes you just have to swing your way out of a slump. And Letang is one of the few NHL D men capable of hitting homers en route to doing that.
Logan: Is a Lindberg/Eakin for Cole trade realistic at all?
Jason Mackey: Yeah, I think it's realistic. Vegas was one of the initial teams to express interest. They have some assets down the middle, although as I understood it, those guys aren't on the market yet. But if GMJR waits, it's entirely possible that deal would work. Cole would be a huge asset to Vegas.
Steven: Do you expect Dominik Simon to stay with the team after his contract expires this summer or do you see him bouncing back to Europe? He's not got a defensive game befitting a bottom 6 role and there's not really a space in the top 6 for him. He'd make a good trade piece as he's not a terrible prospect.
Jason Mackey: I definitely think Simon stays here. Or at least the Penguins will do their part to keep him here. I can't tell you where Simon's heart's at, whether he misses home or anything like that. But the Penguins like him a lot. They believe they can work on the defensive aspect, although I don't think it's as bad as you're making it out to be. He was actually quite good in that facet early on, if I do recall.
Jacques Martin: Good afternoon Jason. Did I endorse the recent decision to bench Cole in our coaches' meeting or was that a unilateral move?
Jason Mackey: I don't know, Jacques.
HB: Do you actually think they are going to have another expansion team in Seattle? Second poor Quebec but I think a second expansion draft will hurt us more than the first.
Jason Mackey: Yeah, poor Quebec. That's for sure. But, yes, I do think the NHL will move into Seattle. Too much money not to. Will be a cool trip, but I definitely feel for the people of Quebec. Perhaps another franchise moves, though.
Lukas: Think the Penguins have interest in Sam Bennett?
Jason Mackey: Bennett or Reinhart? Have my doubts on Bennett. Have heard rumblings that Buffalo sniffed around Cole, and Reinhart would make sense.
Jerry: Might Sullivan be too loyal to those he coached at WBS at the expense of seeing a Sprong, for example, work out his game at the NHL level? The emphasis on Sprong's lack of readiness (as well as ZAR) sounds a lot like a Neal Huntington excuse.
Jason Mackey: I think that's fair, Jerry. But Sprong also hasn't produced a ton five-on-five. He's taken advantage on the power play, which is a role he won't get here. So if they want to see him score more five-on-five while also working on his defensive play, I can understand that.
Guest: Here's a hard hitting question! Guentzel still appears to have drawn the short straw with the stall next to Crosby… Is this because he's still the most rookie of players or because he actually liked sitting there (even if it meant waiting until the scrums ended to change)?
Jason Mackey: You know, I was actually thinking about that the other day. He does still sit next to Sid. But I think he's still the youngest and has the least NHL seniority. That's aside from the goalies, who get bigger, special stalls.
J. Mayer: How in the world did I become cool? Boggles the mind....
Jason Mackey: Ha. I had my doubts, too, John, but you've won me over.
dave: ...I was just pointing out that there seems to be a double standard - Letang gets to "play through" his struggles, but Cole has to sit.
Jason Mackey: Cole wasn't sitting for anything associated with his play, trust me.
LN: Do you think there is any chance any Pens, I am thinking of Malkin in particular, choose to go the Olympics anyhow? I am thinking there could be pressure on the home front to compete.
Jason Mackey: Well, Malkin's sure going to have a tough time doing that, I can say that much. But, no, I don't think that will happen.
guest: seems like the visit to the Hockey hall of fame was a good wake up call for the Pens. They seem to be playing better since that visit
Jason Mackey: That's fair. A couple people, including GMJR, spoke about that potentially being a good thing, a get-right kind of trip.
Jacob: I'm hearing rumors and reading sources online saying Cole will be traded this weekend...truth?
Jason Mackey: Again, link the report, and we'll talk.
Lukas: Do you Cole could land Reinhart or would there need to be some additions from the Penguin's side? Maybe an even swap if Cole agreed to a contract extension prior to the trade?
Jason Mackey: I think there would be some additions on the Penguins' side. If it happens, they would be the centerpieces of a package, I'd imagine.
Steven: Any idea what NCAA/CHL prospects are making the jump in the offseason?
Jason Mackey: I don't know, Steven, sorry. Been too wrapped up in the NHL Penguins.
Harold: Went to Saturday's WB Pens game and neither ZAR no Sprong looked especially impressive. I now understand why management feels they need more time on the farm. The best player, by far, was Archibald, bringing speed and physicality. When will the Pens tire of waiting for Hagelin to produce and give Archibald a chance?
Jason Mackey: Thanks for sharing that, Harold. You make a fine point. I think the Penguins have hope that Hagelin will turn it around. I also think it would help his trade value for them to keep playing him and hopes he puts up numbers. The latter is probably a better answer to your question.
guest: what an unlucky game against New York. They seemed to be the better team overall but had bad puck luck. Some of winning is luck, do you think the Pens have finally run out of it? Watching that game made me feel like it has caught up to them.
Jason Mackey: I'm not willing to say the Penguins have run out of luck because of a one-goal loss to the Rangers in December.
Jason Mackey: The one I'd want? Vince Trocheck. But there's no way it would happen. He's the perfect player on that line. Fast. Tenacious. Can do a little bit of everything. Skilled. Reasonable contract. But again, it won't happen. I think Reinhart might make some sense; Buffalo needs D, and Botterill knows what Cole can bring. Don't love Bozak because of it being a rental.
Ewok To Remember: Assuming Hags and Rust stay on the third line, what potential trade target do you think best suites their game? Names like Reinhart, Bjugstad (cant see this one happening), bozac, vegas depth etc..have been floating around. I'd love a young guy with club control, but do you think that necessarily translates to line chemistry/success?
TK: Do you think Ruhwedel will get some PP time? He seems to have a pretty powerful slapshot.
Jason Mackey: Dumoulin and Maatta were on the PP2 yesterday at practice. Seems like they are the preferred options at this point.
Al Bundy: Pens schedule seemed brutal in October and first part of November. Does the NHL try to make schedules more difficult for playoff teams, or just the luck of the draw?
Jason Mackey: I think they try to make it a little harder to create competitive balance.
Simple Minds: I read this morning that the reason Cole trade didn't happen was the Pens weren't willing to give up Sprong in the package. Why would they get rid of Spong?
Jason Mackey: He's an asset, I'll say that. But please link any report you reference.
Rahn: Is Clayton Phillips now the No. 2 prospect for the Penguins?
Jason Mackey: Nah, I'd still put Aston-Reese as No. 2.
John: I'm amazed at hockey players' hand-eye coordination...deflecting shots into net, swatting pucks out of the air. Do players regularly practice these kind of things?
Jason Mackey: They do. Every day, honestly. Especially Sid and Hornqvist. They practice that stuff a lot.
Lukas: Last Sam Rienhart question...what do you think he'd be asking for in his next contract? Long term or bridge? Could we even afford to pay him if we did acquire him.
Jason Mackey: Sorry, Lukas. I've never spoken to him or his agent, since he plays for Buffalo. I have no Earthly way of knowing that.
Ewok To Remember: Cole to Buffalo would have to be a trade and sign right? I know they need defense, but i cant imagine they trade for him with the possibility to lose him-considering their place in the standings
Jason Mackey: Yes, I would think that would have to be the case given their situation.
Michael: Would the Pens ever trade Sprong?
Jason Mackey: Yes, I wouldn't classify him as untouchable. They have wingers who can score. They need a third-line center who can score.
Zebra Feathers: Is Hornqvist on the team next year?
Jason Mackey: I don't think so. I think he commands a lot of money on the open market, and he gets it elsewhere. Sadly, for the Penguins and their fans.
Jason Mackey: OK, folks. That's all the time we have for today. Thanks for participating. Let's do this again next week.
First Published: December 7, 2017, 3:50 p.m.
Updated: December 7, 2017, 7:33 p.m.
