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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 9.21.17
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Pens Lover
1:10
Who did you like better last night- Johnson or McKegg?
Jason Mackey
1:11
I like Johnson. I think he's farther back but the ceiling's higher, if that makes sense. McKegg is what he is. A gifted skater. Does everything else just OK. Might be OK in a pinch. Johnson needs to develop more, but his skill has started to shine through quickly. He's made huge strides since the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo.
Amy
1:11
So I believe it was Sprong (I have a concussion so my memory is a little fuzzy) who played some games in nhl and had to be sent down to his junior team so he didn't have to clear waivers to be sent to wbs. Can he be sent to wbs now without having to clear waivers?
Jason Mackey
1:11
You are correct, Amy. He's played 18 NHL games. I hope your head feels better soon.
Erdely
1:11
How likely is it for McKegg to be on the opening night roster right now? He just hasn't fit into a lineup anywhere so far. Was great up here in Erie
Jason Mackey
1:12
Yeah, I don't see it, barring injury. Again, I keep coming back to the Sheahan thing, but I truly believe they're going to get this deal done before the start of the season. I think McKegg is a great option to have stashed in WBS, though.
sanders
1:12
Nice article with Trevor Daley. Did you happen to ask if he and Sid had chatted at the high altitude training camp that they both attended at the end of the summer?
Jason Mackey
1:13
I asked if he had talk to Sid this summer. He said no. I assumed he would expound if he had talked to him at the high altitude camp you're mentioning ... although I was unaware Daley attended that. Are you positive?
Erik
1:13
Who are your top 5 most likely candidates for 3C?
Jason Mackey
1:13
Sheahan ... Blueger, Johnson, McKegg and Rowney.
GMJR
1:13
Great job on the Pouliot hype, Mackey. It's all coming together.
Jason Mackey
1:13
You kept talking so we kept printing.
Guest
1:14
If Sprong and Aston-Reese, or even Dominik Simon make a strong enough case for the NHL club, who's likely to be the odd forwards out? Lots of great depth yet quantity and quality on the wings (granted Archibald and Kuhnhackl are the extra forwards, and aren't slouches in their own right) but not enough down the middle it seems.
Jason Mackey
1:15
Yeah, it would help if Archibald or Kuhnhackl played center, but they don't. I would say Wilson or Kuhnhackl would be the ones you'd take out. ... I guess Rowney, although who takes draws on the PK? And I think the Reaves experiment is going to turn out. Plus, with what they gave up, I think that would be tough to justify. I think that's why you might well see the three you mentioned started in WBS.
guest
1:15
Would you rather fight 1 Brian Dumoulin sized Jake Guentzel, or 100 Jake Guentzel sized Brian Dumoulin's?
Jason Mackey
1:15
I'll go with one Dumoulin sized Guentzel. I'll hope he forgets about taking it punch by punch.
Tristan
1:15
Are the Penguins still considering a deal w/ the Avs for Matt Duchene?
Jason Mackey
1:16
No. I've been told there's not a fit there, that the Penguins don't have -- or aren't willing to give -- enough of what the Avs want. Apparently they want quite a bit.
dave
1:16
Do you think Letang is willing to change the way he plays as Sullivan wants him to do?  It seems like players can be pretty stubborn about that kind of stuff.
Jason Mackey
1:30
Will get back as soon as I can, yinz guys. Thanks for your patience. As I mentioned on Twitter, have 1:30 and 2 o'clock calls, plus I'm chasing down the Mike Lange breaking news. Will get to your questions, but it's going to be a bit. Thanks for understanding.
Erik
1:31
Is Bozak still a possibility? What about Haula from LV?
Jason Mackey
1:33
Dave, to your question: I think this will be something worth monitoring. The Penguins do want Letang to basically cut bait when there's nothing there more. I wouldn't say change his game. Just not risk it when there's no reason. He seems relatively resistant, although he also seems annoying by any and all questions from media these days so it could just be that. If he takes just a slightly more cautious approach, I think the Penguins would be happy.
1:35
Erik: Have not heard anything on Haula. What I've heard on Bozak involves young D ... probably would have to be Maatta. It's not worth it for a one-year rental, honestly. They want Maatta to play with Hunwick. Is Sheahan really that much below Pouliot when you consider the dropoff between giving up Maatta and Pouliot? I wouldn't pay that price for Bozak.
Jerry
1:35
Why does this 3C center episode feel similar to Shero banking on Hossa's return only to be left without a backup plan when he signed with Detroit?  Teams know the Pens are vulnerable at center now, why wouldn't they ask for far more than the norm in a trade?
Jason Mackey
1:36
That's a very fair point. That's one of the reasons I don't think we're going to see a splashy move here. It's widely known at this point that the Penguins could really use somebody. I don't think anybody on the outside is looking at the Penguins and thinking they're going to drop Teddy Blueger between Carl Hagelin and Patric Hornqvist. Not trying to rip on poor Teddy, but that's asking a bit much.
Penguin Pete
1:36
What makes you think Sheahan can work? I don't know much about him, honestly, except that his stats last year leave a lot to be desired. Does he fit in Sullivan's system?
Jason Mackey
1:37
I think he would fit enough. He can kill penalties. Has some size. Will go to the net. Most of all he's eager. He sucked last year. By all accounts, he knows it. He'll listen. He knows some people on the Penguins. He'd play with better people. He's still young. Skating is good enough. There's a lot to like. Plus you wouldn't give up much or commit to any length of time -- just one year.
dave
1:37
How has Sprong looked so far?  Do you think he'll make the opening night roster?
Jason Mackey
1:39
He has looked very good. I want to see him play with Crosby or Malkin, however, before I make any final determinations. Basically Sprong had to absolutely force the Penguins' hand to earn an opening night spot. Verdict's still out on how he's done that. But the shot has been tremendous. The passing and vision above average, same for his skating. Only question I have is occasional dumb turnovers in his own end. They still happen more frequently than I think anyone would like.
dave
1:39
Aside from 3C, are there any positions you think GMJR should have addressed in the offseason?
Jason Mackey
1:39
Not really, honestly. I like the other stuff he did.
Amy
1:39
Soo.....would Sprong have to clear waivers if he was sent to wbs? And thanks 😊
Jason Mackey
1:39
No. He has options. They could send him down no problem.
Ollie
1:39
Thanks for saying my skating is there, but it is well known as my weak point, no? Keep up the good work, though.
Jason Mackey
1:39
I think your skating has been more than fine so far this camp, Olli.
TK
1:40
So what do you think is holding up the Sheahan trade?
Jason Mackey
1:40
Detroit doesn't know if Andreas Athanasiou is going to play for them or not.
pghgolfgirl
1:40
Hey Jason:  Since Gonch is now a full-time assistant coach, will he be on the bench or will he be coaching from the press box?  Has he also taken over the PP coaching duties?
Jason Mackey
1:40
Sullivan still has a firm hand in the PP. Gonch will be in the press box.
dave
1:40
Who would you put on your #1 PP and PK units?
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