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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 8.24.17
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Bryan
1:35
Can ZAR play center? Any chance he can anchor the 3rd line?
Jason Mackey
1:36
He could. Or at least he did in college. They've developed him almost exclusively at wing, though. I could see them giving him a chance to do it in camp, but I think that's asking A LOT. Probably not something they should count on.
GMJR
1:36
Atta boy, Mackey. Talk up Pouliot. Maybe write a glowing article about him. Keep it up.
Jason Mackey
1:36
Just being honest, Jim. But thanks.
John
1:36
I head you mentioned zemgus girgensons for 3rd line center, was that speculation on your part or something you heard from your sources?
Jason Mackey
1:37
Speculation, to be perfectly honest. I would reported it and attributed to sources if that was the case. However, I think it's interesting from a hockey standpoint. Could work out with $$$ and the Rutherford/Botterill relationship.
dave
1:37
Do you think Frank Corrado has the potential to be a full-time NHL player?
Jason Mackey
1:38
I do, yes. However, as I understand it, I think he will benefit from more time developing. I don't think he's going to be ready to nail down an NHL job out of camp, but in January if something happens? I think he would be OK with that.
Kevin
1:38
There are many names we have heard in the third line center rumours. Any dark horse candidates in your eyes?
Jason Mackey
1:39
Two are names I already typed, but they're highly speculative: Sheahan and Girgensons. But, let's be honest, GMJR has a policy of not commenting on opposing players so names they're targeting are often tough to come by.
Steven
1:39
How far along the Butcher sweepstake did the Penguins get? Was it the lack of possible playing time this season that swayed him away?
Jason Mackey
1:39
I can't speak for what factored into the Butcher camp
1:40
's decision, although I would think it has something to do with how prominent of a role he can have, not so much playing time. On a D with Letang, Dumoulin, Schultz and Maatta, he's only going to rise so far. They expressed interest, and talks were had. But nothing more than that.
Lukas
1:40
Are the Penguins looking to bring any players in on a PTO?
Jason Mackey
1:40
Not that I'm aware of. And I'd be surprised if they go this route given their success of late.
Lukas
1:40
Are there any players GMJR is trying to extend early before they hit FA next summer?
Jason Mackey
1:42
They haven't started yet, but a deal for Rust probably isn't far off. Aside from that, I have a tough time seeing Rutherford finish any other contracts. Or needing to for that matter. He could try with Hornqvist, but if I'm Hornqvist, I'm going to free agency and cashing out on one last big contract.
Derek
1:42
Sam Bennett, Ryan Spooner, and Drew Shore.  What do you think about their potential fit as Pens 3C?  Bennett and Spooner are both rumored to be on the block, and Dallas has about 5 capable top 9 centers (Seguin, Hanzal, Spezza, Faksa, Shore).  All 3 are relatively cheap, young, and have some potential upside.
Jason Mackey
1:45
Believe it's Devin Shore, one. Two, I worry about Shore and Spooner and penalty killing. With Cullen and Bonino gone, this is absolutely something the Penguins have to address with any 3C acquisition. Bennett would be a good fit, in my opinion, although I'm not sure Calgary is ready to cut bait yet.
Brian
1:45
Do you see a hagelin or maata trade happening in order to make room for a 3rd line center coming our way? Also, do you feel that kessel/ hagelin will be gone after next year too make room for contracts later on such as rust, guentzel, hornvquist, cole? Thanks for taking the time!
Jason Mackey
1:47
I think trading Hagelin would be awfully tough given his limited offensive production this past season. I think Rutherford would prefer to keep his young assets here as a general rule. If Kessel and Hagelin have outstanding seasons, yes, I could see them getting traded. You don't want to do it with either right now because you're selling low. Do they need either in the long run with the number of young forwards they have coming up? Probably not.
Sven
1:47
Did the Penguins make any effort to sign Jussi Jokkinen this offseason? He seems like a bargain considering his production and what he signed with Edmonton for.
Jason Mackey
1:47
No, definitely not. Zero fit there.
Mario
1:47
Which teams are tightest on the salary cap and might be willing to trade a center to the Pens?
Jason Mackey
1:48
Detroit, maybe Dallas, maybe Toronto. That would be my top three anyway.
Derrick
1:48
Why do you suppose Butcher is not interested in the Penguins organization? I'm a biased fan, granted, but what could other teams have that the Penguins do not?
Jason Mackey
1:48
Ha. A solid top-four on defense that he would have a tough time cracking? I think that was probably the issue, honestly. How many prominent minutes would be available here.
Jerry
1:49
I have a strange feeling, Sutter will be returning as the third line center?  Am I crazy?
Jason Mackey
1:50
I don't think you're crazy. I think it makes sense on a lot of fronts. However, Vancouver would have to take back money. There's no way the Penguins are going to pay $4.375 million for Sutter for the next four seasons. If they take back $1 million, maybe. Even that would be a little far-fetched. For both sides.
Mark
1:50
When will the Penguins visit the White House? Does it happen before the season starts, or on a trip to DC?
Jason Mackey
1:50
We don't know yet. Those plans typically aren't finalized until closer to camp.
Lukas
1:54
Any reclamation projects you see the Penguins targeting for 3C? Similar to Justin Schultz.
Jason Mackey
1:55
Honestly, no. I'm having a tough time coming up with one. My sense is that they want someone to come in and stabilize things there, whenever it does happen, not to be a work in progress.
Steve
1:55
Hi Jason, I haven't seen anyone ask this yet in any of your chats, but I'm wondering what the plans are for the third line center.
Jason Mackey
1:55
Well played, Steve.
Ryan
1:55
Do you think the pens should attempt to offer sheet Andreas athanasiou?
Jason Mackey
1:55
Not at all. Not worth it for that.
Jaromir Jagr
1:55
Hey man
Jason Mackey
1:55
Jags, you coming back? Please say yes.
Phil
1:55
Do you think hagelin or maata could be dealt for a 3rd line center? Bozak mainly im wondering
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