Jason Mackey: Hi folks. Welcome to my Thursday Penguins chat. Taking any and all questions here ...
Guest: What happens if the Jack Johnson project doesn’t work out the first couple seasons?
Jason Mackey: Then they're really screwed. Ha. No, in all seriousness, if the Johnson deal doesn't work, Rutherford will probably try to unload the player somewhere. On the surface, that sounds really difficult, but the guy did get out from under Rob Scuderi (getting Trevor Daley for him, no less) and Matt Hunwick. From a team standpoint, if Johnson flops, that means Chad Ruhwedel plays, and the Penguins will probably have to add a defenseman at the trade deadline.
Jason Mackey: Well, OK, maybe not the trade deadline per se. But they would have to add someone.
Guest: Is Jim Rutherford as funny and witty in real life as he comes off as in interviews?
Jason Mackey: Every bit. Honestly, he's one of the genuinely funniest people I've ever talked to. He's also a great interview in the sense that he cares about communicating with fans, wants to stir the pot with his comments and gets the whole media churn. But as far as his sense of humor, it's 100 percent that way with us. Ditto for his candor. Very honest guy.
Joe: Chances that Simon starts the season on Sid’s RW as Sid would like, thereby making Sprong an early scratch?
Jason Mackey: Not very good, Joe. I'm not saying Sprong is going to be on Sid's wing -- I'd go Hornqvist -- but it very likely won't be Simon. That didn't work last season, and I think enough people know it. They want Simon to shorten his shift length. It's a terrible time to do that while on Sid's right wing. Look for Simon to start in the bottom-six -- if there -- and be forced to work his way up the lineup.
Double G: Good Afternoon Mr. Mackey! First time here! My question is other than Daniel Sprong, what other Baby Penguins do you see making the team and making a possible impact? Thank You and Go Pens!
Jason Mackey: Good afternoon, Double G! ... I will give you a few names I'm watching, but honestly, unless there are a slew of injuries -- never rule it out with this club -- probably nobody; there simply aren't that many jobs available. I'd watch Blueger, Johnson, Dea and Di Pauli. They could do something. But as long as everybody is healthy, they'll stay in WBS.
HB: In your interview with johnson where he apologized for dissing Columbus I still dont get why Columbus got mad, the team that was invented a year ago has a better "winning culture" then them its just a fact.
Jason Mackey: I think Columbus is very sensitive to that sort of stuff. I get what Jack was trying to say. I don't think he did a very good job of articulating it. And cross that with sort of an inferiority complex that exists, then they blow up. Seriously, Columbus is an awesome city and an awesome hockey market. It just feels like it continually needs to prove itself and stand up for itself -- sort of legit -- because the Jackets haven't really won anything. Once they do, it'll be different.
WBS: Given what seems to be a set roster with little cap room, how much opportunity, if any, do WBS players invited to camp really have?
Jason Mackey: Not much at all. But like I said in my previous answer, there probably will be injuries. Usually is. So while they're not working for immediate playing time, they want to put themselves in the best position possible should something happen.
Guest: Who are you favorite players to interview?
Jason Mackey: Current team: Murray and Cullen. ... Recent ex-Penguins: Reaves, Cole, Kuhnhackl. ... Rutherford is incredible. And hilarious. ... Letang can also be tremendous when he wants to be. Really smart guy and engaging.
Summer fun: How was Conner Sheary's wedding reception?
Jason Mackey: I didn't go, sadly. Heard the cookie table was dynamite, though.
Dante: The penguins should just change their name to the Centers. Someone's getting moved. Who's the most likely.
Jason Mackey: I honestly don't think they're trading a center, Dante. I do think GMJR is guarding against Matt Cullen stinking. And I guess if there's a tradeable commodity, and Cullen turns out good, I think Grant might be the most likely to go. Hard to say for sure, though, having never seen him play.
Guest: Is it true Sid is friends with Simon? Is that why he wants him on his wing? Who else on the team is he close with? Seems like to went to a lot of weddings this summer.
Jason Mackey: I don't think Sid and Simon are any closer than other Penguins teammates. ... It's my understanding that Sid wanted to play with Simon because of the style of game he plays. At his best, Simon can play with speed, make himself available, dig pucks out of corners and finish. At his worst ... well, you saw it. Sullivan allowed it to continue, as Sid pushed for the line to work.
John: How do you think the pens will line up on D to start the season? IMO they have a clear top 4 of 3,4,8,58. When they break up that group and put 3 or 4 on the bottom pair, I worry they spread themselves too thin and it doesn't seem to improve the 3rd pair all that much. It forces 3 or 4 to do too much heavy lifting. Would they be better off going with Oleksiak/Johnson and just sheltering them while using the top 4 for match ups.
Jason Mackey: It's my understanding that part of the pitch to Jack was top-four minutes. They're not going to break up the Dumoulin-Letang pair, so it likely puts him with Schultz. I don't think they're overly married to Maatta-Schultz, and I think they probably view Maatta -- what he's shown so far, anyway -- as a tweener. Oleksiak has also been better on the right. If Jack clicks with Schultz, Maatta and Oleksiak is absolutely a plus third pair.
Jason Mackey: Hey folks ... my apologies on the order of questions here ... I'm going back through the queue and there are ones popping up that weren't there before; so, the order of me answering things might be a little skewed today. I promise I will get to everything. My apologies.
Chris: Do you foresee them starting the season with Brassard at center (like he should be, IMO) or are they still toying with him being on the wing?
Jason Mackey: Hey Chris, I think they'll give it a look, but I'd be surprised if that idea ever gets off the ground. He's never done it, for one. No. 2, the dude needs some continuity. I think one of the biggest issues last year with Brassard was Sullivan being too eager to change his wingers. Were it me, I would put him at center, keep him there and give him some consistent linemates.
Ellen: Hi Jason, thanks for keeping up the great work in the off-season - are you getting antsy for hockey season to start? Best of luck in the new house. Last week you had a question about head hits - is there anything you can think of that we as fans can do to put pressure on the NHL to take head hits more seriously?
Jason Mackey: Hi Ellen, thank you for your kind words and for participating in the chat. ... I'm extremely antsy for it to start. Not only because I love hockey -- I do -- but I just like the ins and outs of the season. Have talked about this with a couple hockey people. There's just a nice rhythm to it. You get used to it. Honestly, anymore I'm more comfortable within the rhythm of the hockey season than I am outside of it.
G: When the Leafs hired Hayley Wickenheiser last week, Kyle Dubas had this to say. “Research shows that the more diverse your organization, the better your decision making, the better your operation in general." Do you get any sense the Penguins would like to diversify their hockey operations staff? If not, think their insularity could become a hindrance? Right now, "white guy who hasn't played for the team" is about as diverse as that staff gets.
Jason Mackey: Ha, G. Good question. I think you bring up an interesting point, and I think it's an interesting balancing act for teams. As competitive people, the Penguins naturally think they have the right people to do the job. And, judging by 2016 and 2017, there's some validity to that. But I also know every key figure in the organization -- Ron Burkle, Mario Lemieux, Travis Williams, David Morehouse, Jim Rutherford and Mike Sullivan, to name a few -- values diversity. So, what to do? Well, if there's a vacancy or they choose to go in a different direction, I have no doubt they'll hire the best person for the job. And not because a rule says so; teams would hire telephone poles and shoe boxes to do jobs if it meant they could win. ... I just think it's hard to kick someone out of a job who's pulling the rope like everyone else simply because there's a similarity smart candidate out there. Make sense?
Moe: Great article earlier in the summer about Dad aka Matt Cullen. Were you able to travel to Minnesota? Or was it a phone interview?
Jason Mackey: Hey Moe, thank you very much. Steph Chambers and I went to Minnesota. Credit to the PG for footing the bill and for Steph for getting some awesome photos. I would urge you to check out her photos and video in addition to reading my story. Really nice packages came out of that trip.
Say what?: Reading the reaction to the Jack Johnson trade, one gets the sense that many think this guy is not even NHL material. Did we watch the same Pens defense last year, particularly in the playoffs?
Jason Mackey: I find the reaction to the deal overly negative. I get being skeptical, but many have taken it much further than that. The bar established by this group last year ... let's just say wasn't overly high. Shoot, they allowed the most GAPG since 2005-06. Goaltending played a part, but the defense needed a change.
Steven: How does the team feel about DiPauli? He looks good in the AHL with his away from the puck play, but there’s not a whole lot of consistency to his game. Given Adam Johnson’s development as a bottom 6er, alongside getting PK time and having better puck skills, would you say Johnson has supplanted DiPauli as a prospect?
Jason Mackey: I think the team would like to see more from DiPauli for one. And they're really high on Johnson, I can tell you that. The problem with both is the lack of available jobs, which should change after this season, when Hagelin is expected to leave. That leaves this year for DiPauli to prove he can 1. Stay healthy 2. Score a little and 3. Do it all in a checking-line role. They like him, sure, but they're not completely convinced.
Phil: Looks even tougher for any WBS guys to make this roster with the signing of Hayes and Grant. Thoughts on those players?
Jason Mackey: On Hayes and Grant? I like the moves a lot, personally. Really intrigued by Hayes. Very different from their other guys. Pretty good pedigree, too. ... But as far as the WBS guys, I think they all have a lot of proving to do. Nobody in the group -- Johnson, DiPauli, Blueger or Dea -- has forced management to make a decision the way someone like Guentzel, Rust or Murray has.
Monday Morning QB: With Fleury gone, who has taken up the mantle of "#1 Prankster"?
Jason Mackey: Nobody, honestly. Reaves was tremendous, but obviously he's gone. They don't have anyone who will play pranks. Maybe that's by design, too, I'm not sure. And there's definitely not an NHL rule that says you have to employ a prankster.
Joe: Have you ever broached with Rutherford the subject of the Pens having too many 30+ aged players on the roster?...they have 7 or 8 I believe and Cup history doesn’t show any winning teams with more than 4 players in significant roles being aged 30 or older. Just wondering what JR’s perspective is on this
Jason Mackey: We've talked about the age of his roster, and the Penguins are definitely up there. But what would you like him to do? Probably not sign Cullen, I get that. Others? You're not trading Crosby or Malkin. There was minimal interest in Kessel. They don't want to trade Letang, nor could they with his injury history and 2017-18 performance. I wouldn't trade Hagelin. Too valuable. So we're talking about ... Hornqvist? Hope not. Brassard? OK, but he's only 30. His issues weren't age-related. Johnson is 31, but again, are we attributing his last season to age? I get the numbers are high; I just don't think it's worth pinning that on the GM. They are what they are, but they didn't fail to win a Stanley Cup last season because they suddenly became too old.
Joe: Brassard had an interview recently in French and the translated version indicated that he believed he would be playing LW full time this year. Do you think he’s been told that’s the case?
Jason Mackey: No. In talking to GMJR, he said they would try it in camp. That's it. It would be way outside Sullivan's way of doing business to commit to anything like that before trying it and getting himself a decently large sample size.
Behind the Curtain: How much time do you invest to produce an excellent article such as the Matt Cullen story? And have you ever invested a significant amount of time trying to mine a story on someone that just didn't generate the desired outcome?
Jason Mackey: The Cullen one wasn't that bad -- but thank you. It's obviously easier when the subjects are as cooperative as Matt, who is so well-spoke, gave us such great access. That's barely work. I had filed a day or two after our interview. I just hunkered down, transcribed a bunch and wrote/edited for a while. And yes, absolutely I've done things where it takes a bunch of effort, you're really proud, you think it's awesome and ... flop. Just goes over like a lead balloon. Oh well. That's the fun of the job, though.
Regent Square Mick: Love your writing! Jason, who do you think has the most room for improvement among our forwards and our defense, and what specifics do you think the coaching staff want from them?
Jason Mackey: Hey Mick, thanks so much for the kind words. ... Zach Aston-Reese stands out as someone who could be a lot more than he was. The toughness, for one. Dude can fight. But he could also mature into a very good goal-scorer, someone with puck smarts but also the bruising mentality to score around the net. ... Defensively, I'm going with Jack Johnson. I think you guys will be pleasantly surprised at the end result when he's asked to not do too much, keep it simple and be the straight-man on a pairing with Justin Schultz.
Matt: What are the odds they trade the 1st rounder. Lol
Jason Mackey: The Penguins trade a first-round pick? No. That never happens.
Regent Square Mick: Is there a realistic scenario with Brossard playing on the wing in the top 6? Or are they going to continue to try and make him the third line center, considering defense isn't his strong suit?
Jason Mackey: Brassard isn't a slouch defensively, Mick. His all-around game lacked last season, which may be why you typed that. But at his best, he's a pretty solid two-way player. Anyway ... I think it's still up in the air. I think Sullivan would like to see what it looks like, but he's not committing to anything either way. It's tough because Brassard has always been a center. What if he stinks? They need to find that out.
Guest: What members of the roster currently do you see being around for many years to come? (excluding the obvious Sid, Geno, Tanger, Kessel, etc :P)
Jason Mackey: I think they're going to do something big with Guentzel next summer. That's easy. Assuming Murray doesn't get hurt seven more times, him as well. If Sheahan keeps building on what he does last season, he projects as a very good bottom-six center and someone who fits what they need as far as winning faceoffs, killing penalties and chipping in the odd goal.
Mark: Previously the rule changes/enforcement for slashing, or faceoffs made for a confusing beginning of the season for some players while they tried to adjust and break old habits. Do you see anything in particular like that for this year? And will goaltender interference ever get figured out?
Jason Mackey: No on both counts, Mark. I don't think anything could rival that mess. Ugh. I forgot about that until you brought it up. And, honestly, I don't think they will ever figure out goaltender interference. Sadly. I'd like to see them scale-back replay review, but I'm not sure that's ever going to happen.
Matt: do you think they could have enough cap to resign Brassard? with the cap going up and Haggys contract ending?
Jason Mackey: They could -- if they wanted to. I think the issue here is whether they want to. First, the Penguins need to determine if Brassard fits what they're trying to do. If he doesn't, then they would be dumb to re-sign him. But if he improves a lot, and they want to keep him, yes, I think they could figure out a way to make that happen.
copall: I think the Pen’s lineup this year will best be served if Brassard and Kessel can work together as two thirds of a solid 3rd line. I also think that it is time for Letang to prove that he has evolved into a wily old vet that rarely makes mistakes. To me, those will be the two most interesting things to watch for come October 4. Who/what will you be focused on to start the season?
Jason Mackey: Totally valid concerns here. ... I'll be watching to see if Murray can bounce back and stay healthy ... whether the power play can be equally as good ... whether the fourth line can get more production ... whether Sprong nails down regular NHL work ... the Jack Johnson Experiment ... ton of stuff to pay attention to.
Guest: Does Maatta seem kind of misplaced now with JJ most likely taking over the top 4? His salary seems to be a lot for a third pairing d-man. Do you think they’ll consider trading him at some point if JJ works out?
Jason Mackey: No, I don't think they would do that. Cap is going to up, for one, making Maatta's contract a pretty good bargain for a legit defenseman. Two, I think the Penguins would like to see a little more offense from Olli. He can do it. Third, what the Penguins want to do is achieve balance with their pairs. That doesn't necessarily mean grouping their best defensemen together, one through six, in groups of twos. It means finding the best pairs.
Monday Morning QB: Goalie masks are one of the standout aspects of hockey over other sports. I personally don’t love most of the airbrush character likeness designs nowadays, I much prefer the simple, logo driven ones.
Do you have any favorite masks from around the league?
Jason Mackey: Honestly, I don't pay attention. Maybe I should. But I feel like that's more of a fan thing. I can tell you which goalies I enjoy interviewing and which ones I like/hate to watch play, but masks? I don't know. It's just a mask.
Tristan: I feel brassard has been great defensively throughout his entire career
Jason Mackey: He certainly hasn't been terrible, but I see what Mick is saying. Think it was Mick who brought that up.f
Andrew: Has the team identified any flaws in Matt Murray's form last year that caused him to have such a down year in terms of save percentage compared with the previous season?
Jason Mackey: They have, and there are a few. Some of them are angle-related. His glove hand does need to improve, although that's way overblown, in my opinion. But other issues aren't technical things. Like his dad. Or getting hurt a lot. They affected his play, but there's not much the coaching staff can do to take that stuff out of his game, you know?
Tristan: Replay has ruined the game
Jason Mackey: Not just hockey.
Matt: what will Murrays Contract look like (sorry for Brassard question twice ive never used Jotcast)
Jason Mackey: No worries ... I think it's still up in the air. Could be $6-$7 million per if Murray plays the way he's capable of. Maybe more, honestly, if he's truly a franchise guy.
Tristan: Why would someone want to trade Maatta??? Him and dumo were the most consistent players last year.
Jason Mackey: This has been a thing for a long time. The Trade Maatta faction of the fanbase is fierce. Even last year, when Maatta was mostly good, I heard about this regularly.
Joe: I’m assuming Murray realizes he had a fairly poor year last year. Have you talked to him about why he thinks that was and what if anything he needs to do to turn that around?
Jason Mackey: I have not. He's been away. Looking at next week sometime.
Alex: This is awful to think about, but what does the team do if Murray never returns to form? What’s their way of course-correcting?
Jason Mackey: I think that's one of the reasons they're unwilling to move Tristan Jarry. They would want to see what he looks like in that spot.
K: Thank you for answering a question above about Olli. I myself have been worried about his future with the Pens since acquiring Jack Johnson and it’s nice to see some reassurance.
Jason Mackey: If the Penguins pay $4.1 for a 24-year-old defenseman who may only be getting better ... I mean, there are worse problems to have.
Monday Morning QB: "Just a mask"? Uh oh, don't let Dana Heinze hear you say that.
Keeping with aesthetics, are you pulling for any specific jersey from the past to be resurrected for this year’s Third Jersey?
Jason Mackey: That's only to me. I have other things to worry about. Fans and players, awesome. Go crazy. I'm just saying that whatever is painted on there isn't going to change the course of my day. ... I'd like to see the black, diagonal Pittsburgh ones make a comeback.
Tristan Wenzig: Do you think sprong will be in the starting line up come regular season?
Jason Mackey: I do. I'm looking for him to start on the third line with Brassard and maybe Sheahan, Cullen or Rust on the left side.
Matt: If Murray returns to form by the trade deadline could you see them moving Jarry for someone? and what postion would get improved
Jason Mackey: I don't. I think they want to hang on to Jarry at least through this season as Murray insurance. And it's hard to say what position they might upgrade without knowing where they're going to be deficient. If I had to say something, maybe another D so it's not just Ruhwedel should someone get hurt.
Andrew: With all the questions about Brassard playing wing, isn't the more important question how well do he and Kessel fit together? If that pair meshes well, suddenly you have a 3rd line that can play like most team's second line.
Jason Mackey: Sure, Andrew. I think that's a fair question. But it's not essential that Kessel meshes with Brassard. It's hugely important that the Penguins have three scoring lines. If Brassard, Rust and Sprong turn into an HBK-like thing, and Phil and Brassard are oil and water, what's the big deal? They just need to get more production from that third line.
Amy : I enjoy reading twenty thoughts column every week and the summer feature articles on guentzel and cullen. I would like to attend da beauty league games next summer while visiting my brother in Minnesota. Can you suggest dates to go?(ie do you they play on certain days of the week?)
Jason Mackey: Believe they play on Monday and Wednesday, Amy. But there's a website. Would suggest checking it before you go and can't recommend going up there enough.
Regent Square Mick: I think Brassard is a decent two-way player, I just don't feel he has the size or the willingness to throw his body around much, and honestly, I want him to be able to best utilize his offensive talents, and part of that is dependent on his line-mates. I realize we have a surplus of players who could qualify for Top 6 roles, so I just want to see him in the best position to succeed, both personally and for what the team wants from him.
Jason Mackey: Understood, Mick. Thanks for further explaining yourself. I know what you meant.
:): wonder who the “trade Maatta” faction of the fan base would want gone next if Olli were to ever be traded. they gotta pick on somebody lol
Jason Mackey: That's true. They need to get a player in waiting or something.
Tristan Wenzig: I feel sprong could fill sheary's role very easily, minus sprongs lack of defensive game... I'm assuming this is why sully doesnt like him in the line up cause it is like having 2 kessels out there
Jason Mackey: You're getting warmer ... and I think Sullivan is resistant to that player as a whole. Kessel is different because he's established. But Sullivan is going to have to tolerate Sprong, it seems like.
Daniel Sprong: Hey Jason, I hope this is the first of many interviews with you and I. As a player, what is my ceiling and my floor? Is Sully holding me back? I tried buying him cigars to win him over, but he said “I only accept cigars from ‘stiff’ and ‘hard to play against’ players”
Jason Mackey: Hi Daniel, we've actually chatted before, but here goes nothing ... ceiling is a 40-goal scorer, I think. Floor is a career minor leaguer who never could take the next step. ... Sully isn't holding you back, but you need to do more defensively to allow your coach to feel comfortable putting you in the lineup. I know it's not your strong suit but give him a little.
Gorbachev: When players retire, are journalists covering the team finally able to break down the wall of separation and become friends? If so, who do you see spending more time with when they retire....Matt Cullen, Jim Rutherford, Joe Starkey?
Jason Mackey: Are you calling Joe Starkey a professional hockey player? ... Yes, when they're no longer playing it's different, obviously. And Cullen and Rutherford are good examples. When Matt is done playing, yes, I think we will remain in communication. Rutherford is tremendous now, and if he retired tomorrow, yes, I think we would absolutely continue speaking.
Matt: what do you think is Calen Addisons Potential
Jason Mackey: I see Addison is a top-four guy who can contribute a bunch offensively. I think he needs to get bigger, be better defensively and obviously develop his skills. But I see no reason the kid can't score double-digit goals or score consistently in the NHL. Has all the tools.
Amy : If you had to pick one road game to attend in person this year between buffalo and Carolina which would you pick?
Jason Mackey: Tough one. Two of my favorite road cities. For fans, go to Buffalo. Such a neat environment. I like Carolina because I have a couple of good friends there. Can't lose.
Matt: What was Jims best trade as a penguin?
Jason Mackey: James Neal for Patric Hornqvist. Easy one there, assuming you mean Jim Rutherford and not Jim Britt (director of team services).
Tristan Wenzig: Where do you see the pens finishing this year? Do you think caps finish near bottom of metro this year also?
Jason Mackey: Honestly, I see the Penguins and Capitals finishing 1-2 in the Metro. Not sure who wins it, but those are my two top teams in the division, I know that.a
Jason Mackey: OK, folks. That does it. Thanks so much for participating. Look forward to (probably) doing this again next week. Have a good one!
First Published: August 30, 2018, 3:45 p.m.
Updated: August 30, 2018, 6:13 p.m.
