Locked On Penguins - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Penguins - What's Ron Hextall cooking up?

Starting point is 00:00:00 I know, I know. You probably all expected to see my face a little later on tonight. But, you know, doing a little bit of an emergency podcast. Just switching things up for today. Rob Ross, the Athletic is joining me to cover a lot of Penguins' news as it looks like the general manager has come out of his cave. He's doing some things. It looks like he's working the phones.

Starting point is 00:00:18 He is looking to make a big addition to this team. And we're going to talk to Rob about what he thinks that edition is coming up right after this drop. You're locked on penguins. your daily podcast on the Pittsburgh Penguins, part of the Locked-on Podcast Network, your team every day. Hello and welcome back to another episode of the Locked-on Penguins podcast.

Starting point is 00:00:56 I'm, of course, your host. Honoredos are going to follow me on Twitter at Hunter Hodes and all that shows, Twitter, at Eleanor for Penguins, and of course, thank you all so much for making this your first listen to the day. We are free and available on all platforms. Joining me now is Rob Rossi from the Athletic to discuss a very busy day. around Pittsburgh here when it comes to the Penguins. Rob, it looks like the general manager has found his shadow,

Starting point is 00:01:19 at least for now, maybe. Mark Friedman, who I do not think is going to be coming back to this organization, is on waivers. I think he's probably an easy ad for a playoff team that needs another defenseman. And Bronch, again, that is now two-thirds of the third line, which was one of the worst lines in hockey over the season. He is now on waivers. Rob, it certainly seems like Ron Hextall is up to,

Starting point is 00:01:42 something. He's working the phones, trying to make a deal. Do you have a sense of what he's doing because he's definitely clearing out a lot of cap space? And if both of these moves work out in the payment's favor, they could have almost $6 million in salary cap space tomorrow. Yeah, pro-rated they could. Hunter, I think the tough part about that is it's less about him admitting mistakes right now and more about him trying to clear space to pull off something. I reported last week that Mike Sullivan has had requested, they go out and try to land Jacob Chichron, the defense of the Arizona Coyotes. As far as I'm told from my Penguins sources, the Sullivan reiterated that and that the penguins

Starting point is 00:02:26 have still been talking to Arizona. There's a big market for Chichron out there. So far, Hextall had not been willing to give up future first round. picks for it, 25 and 26. Maybe the parameters of that have changed. I'm not privy to that, if that's the case. I know there's a report out there about them having talked about J.T. Miller. My penguin source has not told me that that, my penguin sources, I should say, have not told me that that's something that was anything on beyond just sort of a discussion point. But, you know, things change quickly this time of year.

Starting point is 00:03:11 So it's clear that right now the Hextall is making moves. And he's got something in mind. Whether he's going to be able to pull it off, we'll see. I have said for weeks now that I think the penguins have too many issues to correct with one trade. We'll have to see if I'm proven right on that. I wrote last week that if I were ownership, I wouldn't let Hextall. make another big decision. I stand by that. I think the waivers moves that he's made since Friday sort of illustrate just how bad he's been at this so far. But we'll see. It looks like they're

Starting point is 00:03:52 not standing in his way. And we'll have to see what he's able to do between now and Friday at 3 p.m. if not sooner. Yeah. And I mean, I probably wouldn't expect anything today just because they want to see obviously what happens with waivers tomorrow. So I would have to assume any move would come probably within 48 hours of the deadline. But, yeah, I mean, the fact that, you know, he waived Cappenden and now he's waived him again. Two guys that he signed, you know, not even two years apart, Rob, and they're already on waivers. And one of them is already with a new team. Just not good.

Starting point is 00:04:24 You know, and I know McGinn's going to play tonight because you can still play with a team while on waivers. But it's still not a good message to send as this guy's in the second year of his contract, making 2.75 million. heck capman wasn't even here for a full year under this new contract he's already out the door as well and i was going to get to the miller stuff too i think you know i think shana of the athletic she's sent some fangling's fans into a frenzy talked about marcus peterson speculating that he could be on the way out that would be ridiculous if you ask me he's been probably the most consistent outside crystal tang probably the most consistent defenseman

Starting point is 00:04:58 this season um but you know the miller thing doesn't make sense for multiple reasons i don't really think he really feels a need for them in the top six because I already like their top six. And also, Rob, that massive contract extension hasn't even kicked in yet seven years by eight million. Is Vancouver really going to eat half of that for the whole term? I wouldn't think so. I think that would just be kind of weird jamming by Patrick Aldine and Jim Rutherford. I understand he's a hometown kid. He'd probably love to play for his hometown team. But, you know, I'm not giving up a lot of assets for someone who at this point right now, kind of just a power play specialist. I think that one of the biggest needs is still a third

Starting point is 00:05:39 line center. After that you could probably say another defenseman for Crystal Tang, but I just don't really get the Miller thing at all. And I'm glad that, you know, you've heard that it sounds like, you know, that might not be in the cards. Well, I mean, things could be changing. And I'm not trying to dismiss any reports by other people. I have too much respect for my colleagues to do that. So I can just tell you what I've heard was that that was more of a preliminary discussion. That doesn't mean that it won't be a discussion that picks up. I can tell you talking from people close to JP last summer that he was interested in coming home. And I think he would be willing to play a third center role on the Penguins. But that's a lot of contract

Starting point is 00:06:22 to add. I would have to think, I would have to think before committing to that, ownership would need to know about that. No, I would, I would, I would, definitely agree with that just because again seven years times eight and you know what hextall said last week i'm only going to make you know we're not doing rentals which i'm fine with i don't think he needs to move a lot of assets for rentals when the team is where it is right now but you know he also said if i'm going to make a deal it's going to be someone that can help right now and in years to come but i wouldn't think it would be for someone who has 70 more years left on a contract that hasn't even kicked in yet and again his five on five numbers have tanked this season

Starting point is 00:07:04 and go look at Jay Fresh's player card for him. He ranks in, you know, some very, I can honestly pull it up right now under, under, Jayfresh, if I can find it. Even strength offense, 29th percentile, even strike defense, 20th percentile, poundy kill percentile, 31st percentile. His power play percentile is good, 83rd percentile. His finishing is not bad, but in terms of five-on-five offense and five-e-five defense, a lot of it is in the Reds, which is what you really don't want from some.

Starting point is 00:07:34 someone who was going to be on the opposite side of 30. So, you know, we'll have to see. Things obviously do change. But certainly around to Chikrin, just to finish off this segment, Rob, I can understand the need for him because Brian Dumlin is not coming back after the season. That's what I think at least. He can play kind of a defense first role, but he also can score. I think he would be honestly the perfect partner for Chris, let's hang, at this stage in his

Starting point is 00:08:02 career. Is that the sense that you get as well? Mike Sullivan views Chikrin as a guy that can help them now and over the next few years, too, and really views him as a building block and an ideal partner for Chris Latang. And we've made this investment in Latang. So it sort of makes sense to get him the next Brian Dumolin, so to speak. Now, Chikrin's a different player than Dumlin in some areas, but it would be the same thing. you'd have a legitimate number one pairing.

Starting point is 00:08:33 And if you look at most of the contenders in this league, they have a legitimate number one pairing. The penguins have a legitimate number one defenseman right now, not really a legitimate number one pairing. I think it all comes out in what would the details be? How much the penguins would have to give up from their current roster? They'd probably have to give up something to make that work to add. Although if they're able to get McGinn and Friedman claimed somehow,

Starting point is 00:09:01 that would be a big, big gain for them. I mean, that's asking for a lot of luck to get Capnin McGinn and Friedman all claimed. But, I mean, as we've seen, it only takes one GM to prize something that everybody else doesn't prize. I would have not made the forecast that anybody would have picked up Cappanin. So, and I know the penguins weren't really confident of that either. So, but yes, I think chicken would slot in here immediately. I think it depends on how you view the penguins needs. Like, what's more of their need right now?

Starting point is 00:09:37 Do they need a pairing partner for Chris LaTang on defense? Or do they need to address the third line? And by addressing the third line, you're going to be having Jeff Carter, Jeff Carter be part of that equation anyway. So if you acquired a forward that could play the center position on the third line, you could move Carter to Wing. Some of Carter's less terrible games this year have been on wing.

Starting point is 00:10:09 But, I mean, that still leaves you, I think, very top heavy with your top seven or eight forwards. I think, you know, if you could get Chikrin and maybe a forward from Arizona as part of a package deal, that might be something the Penguins are exploring right now. again, it might be tough for them to pull off a chicken deal. They might have to pay something they don't want to pay in order to do it. Yeah, and Arizona is a team that I've kind of had circle over the last couple weeks. They have some players there, even outside of Trichron that the Penguins, I think, should be interested in. Old friend Nick Bukstad, he's actually having a decent year there.

Starting point is 00:10:46 I love Nick Schmaltz, Rob. I think he would be a great fit for the third line, can drive play, can defend, has good underlines. both I think make Lawson Krause I think for the bottom mistakes that they want I guess a little more truculence as Brian and Burke likes to say he would make sense as well so would not be surprised if what you said

Starting point is 00:11:08 there comes true is where they have kind of like a package deal what you saw with Chicago sending to Toronto when they got Lafferty and McCabe obviously smaller blockbuster there but you know that wouldn't be surprising either but still have a lot more to get to for this episode of the Lockdown Penguins podcast,

Starting point is 00:11:26 including the need for just a brand new third line. It looks like they're really getting that underway with another waiver wire today. But before we get into that, if you're looking for a delicious treat but don't want all the fat calories and you've got to try a built bar. What makes them so good?

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Starting point is 00:12:18 Follow the show's Twitter at Endlisher Penguins. And of course, thank you all so much for making this for first list of the day. Again, we are free and available on all platforms. So Rob, you know, I still think their biggest need is probably a third line center. If they can move Carter to wing, if they can get lucky enough also and have McGinn and Friedman claimed, I personally think they're only going to have one of those guys get claimed. And I think it's Mark Freeman because I think any playoff team could use another depth defenseman,

Starting point is 00:12:43 one who is as good as him because I think he's been better than Chabrewoodle this year. But, you know, if they somehow get McGinn claimed by someone, you know, that's two-thirds that third line gone, Ryan Paling is coming back so he can probably replace again at that point, but you probably want him on your fourth line. Do you get the sense that they are really after upgrades for their third line as we are now, you know, within 72 hours of this deadline? Because, you know, again, Nick Schmaltz to me like makes sense. Max Domi's out there from Chicago, Nick Bukestad, Lawson Krause, you know, Adam Henrique, but he's hurting Anaheim, a lot of options out there. Do you get the sense that they're really after some bottom six help?

Starting point is 00:13:25 I think based off the waivers moves they've made, it would be logical to conclude they're looking for some type of package. What that package would be, I can't say. Things seem to be moving pretty quick. And all this stuff could change within a minute to hours. But it would strike me right now that whoever they're talking to, they're looking for a package of pickups that they could And it would seem like guys they want underterm for next year, too. Hextall's been pretty clear that he does not want to give up things for rentals, specifically first round picks. And I would have to think right now that picks would be something anybody left talking to the penguins would want.

Starting point is 00:14:09 It feels like, you know, the picks are like the main thing that they really have. You know, you look at their prospect pool outside of Owen Pickering, you know, And I think in a big deal like this, Rob, he probably would have to go the other way because there's just really not much in there. I mean, I like Pickering. I think he's going to be a decent defenseman in this league. He's also probably four, maybe five years away. But, you know, I think if they do want to make a big package here, he's probably the one that has to go because you look at the rest of their farm system, it's not much there. You know, Tristan Braws can maybe get something in it, one of the goalies that they still have in the system.

Starting point is 00:14:46 but you know you look at Wilkesbury you look at wheel you look at the other junior teams with their prospects um they don't only have much to offer there and you know even also assets wise on the team right now rob i don't really know who's tradable you know the top six don't think anyone's going anywhere i mean jason's up there's a pending uf a bit of him um Jeff Carter has a no movement clause he's not going anywhere you know Teddy blueger but he i just i don't really see a lot of assets there in the bottom six outside of them waiting in the beginning today that I think they can really put in a package that maybe other teams would want it's tough yeah I agree with you I think it would be really tough I mean maybe zooker would be part of something if they are after a big

Starting point is 00:15:28 big name forward but they don't really have anybody on the roster that they could put in that spot if the forward is identified for the bottom six I wouldn't rule out pickering being part of a package, especially if it's for Chikrin. Pickering's not going to help them now or soon enough to really impact Crosby, Malkin, and Latang. I also get the sense there's real, this management group feels real pressure right now. They're human. They've seen the overwhelming backlash to this season. And, you know, they know that this is new ownership. Nobody's told me that Ron Hextel's job is on the line or that Brian Burke's job is on the line. But like I said, I mean, you could draw a logical conclusion that management right now would feel some pressure.

Starting point is 00:16:28 Also, there's been an arms race in the East. And if you want to keep up now or later, you probably have to do something that makes you a little bit uncomfortable. And truth be told, you know, depending on your view of what Tampa Bay did with Nashville, As you know, I would argue that the prices haven't been that high overall to make a move. Hextall's been saying the prices are high. I don't know that the market spared that out. Yeah, outside of that trade, maybe the O'Reilly won with Toronto. I don't really, I haven't really seen a trade yet where I've been like, okay, the selling team really won.

Starting point is 00:17:13 The Winnipeg Jets just stole a Nino Nienwriter, who's a 20-goal score for a second rounder next year. Cool. Like, Nashville is not going to get anything out of that. You know, the Capitals and Bruins, maybe you can call that and even trade. And it looks like the Capitol just made another trade, Marcus Johansson to Minnesota for a third-round pick, according to Kevin Weeks. So they're continuing their sell-off as they're punting on this season. But, yeah, you know, I definitely get the sense a little bit that he's not going to admit it. But I think he kind of knows in the back of his mind that his job might be on the line after

Starting point is 00:17:47 this season. It might be a little bit of the unfair comparison, but I might make it anyway. Kind of comparing it to Kyle Dubus in Toronto. He's stealing a lot of pressure. They're going all in. That's a team that hasn't won around since I was in first grade, basically. They don't went around this year. He's probably gone after this year.

Starting point is 00:18:06 I could honestly say the same about Hextall. This is a penguin's team that hasn't won around since 2017-28. team, they don't win around here, despite, you know, everything that's happened, you know, new ownership. I don't think he's back next to. And frankly, I mean, I don't think he should be back in general. But that's kind of why I think he might be swinging for the fences here, you know, trying to go all out to see if this team can, you know, make a run in the second half

Starting point is 00:18:31 and potentially score an upset in the first round of the playoffs, you know, if they get in, whether that's against, you know, the ridiculous Bruins who just can't lose or it's against the Carolina Hurricanes. I just don't see any move the penguins can make that would do anything but maybe extend a series against the hurricanes to a couple of games. And maybe they get a win against the Bruins. It's tough for me to think they can do anything right now that would put them in a position where they would win as a wildcard team in the opening round. That doesn't mean I don't think they should look to improve their team going forward. Yeah.

Starting point is 00:19:06 And you can make a move right now for a guy that you think will be part of your roster going forward. I think you do that. But I mean, if I could add Jeff or Jacob Chikrin right now, I think I would do that if I were the Penguins. I think that makes a move that makes them more competitive. You know, Hunter, one thing I think it has to be taken into consideration here is if you look at the teams they're in the mix with now, they might be good enough if they don't do anything to get a wild card spot.

Starting point is 00:19:39 But next year, I think it's very, very fair to say, depending on what Detroit does with resigning some of its players, with a natural progression Buffalo's making, and with a likelihood that Washington is doing what a lot of people want the Penguins to do right now, sell off some assets in order to maybe do a quicker turnaround around Ovecgen this summer. I think all three of those teams could be better position than the Penguins next year. And the Penguins aren't going to be in a position next year to really, if you look at this roster realistically, it seems unlikely they're going to be in a position next year with a term they've already committed to some people

Starting point is 00:20:21 to compete for one of the top three slots in the Metro Division because neither Carolina nor the Rangers nor the devil are going anywhere. So if you think some of these other teams you're competing with now, you may may be better than now, but will you be better than them next year? To me, that all adds up to why you would want to start new with new management. But we don't know how FSG operates. We don't know. They're not really experienced in the hockey game.

Starting point is 00:20:59 They seem to be content to let Hextall make his bed here this season. And they'll have to look at them. live with the consequences of that if it doesn't work out. But I don't know that right now, if I could objectively say the penguins could do anything to make them better positioned to beat either Carolina or the devil or the, excuse me, the Bruins in the playoffs in a first round. And it looks like they're locked into being a wildcard team if they're going to make it. Yeah, the only way I think they can be a top three team is if, A, they pass the Islanders, which they can still do Blanders without Mount Barzell right now.

Starting point is 00:21:39 Or B, you know, the Rangers just go on a tailspend. The Penguins all three games left against them. They probably have to win all three in regulation. It's going to be very hard. The Rangers just added Patrick Kane. Yep. That, you know, the funny thing is I think the Rangers are the one team the Penguins would match up best against in a potential playoff series.

Starting point is 00:22:00 Yeah. But I don't think the devils are going to slide. And it's hard to see what they're. that goaltender, the Rangers not shoring up their playoff position. And the penguins would have to make up so many points. And, I mean, it's going to be a dogfight just for the penguins to get in. So this sort of feels like a desperation move by a GM who's feeling the heat, whatever they're going to do. No, yeah.

Starting point is 00:22:26 I mean, I agree, you know, with all those points. Actually, Rob, before we moved to our final segment, no, Rob, there's been some talk about that maybe adding a goalie just because Casey dispensed and very inconsistent. Tristan's been in and out of the lineup, though. He's starting to hopefully sharing together some strong games here. Hopefully we can say healthy for the rest of the season. I mean, they're not going to go anywhere if he's hurt. Rob, do you get the sense that they're thinking of adding another goal yet the deadline?

Starting point is 00:22:48 I look at it. I do not. I wrote a couple, oh, a month ago now, feels like that they should look at a goaltender. Had they not put themselves in such a bad position cap-wise, I would have looked at one. I think they have such a conundrum on their hands with goal tending because I think their plan this year was, I know their plan this year was to commit the Tristan Jari long term. It's going to be a tougher thing to do given the injuries Jari's had.

Starting point is 00:23:22 He's just not been healthy enough. Casey to Smith, I think, has been exactly what Casey to Smith would be advertised to be. In some games, he's been really good and some games he hasn't. That's sort of the type of goaltender he is. It's mystifying to me that more people aren't enraged that even if the penguins make all these moves, they're going to go into a third consecutive postseason with a Jari-de-Smith tandem.

Starting point is 00:23:48 And that is a injury away from being a nightmare. And it's an injury away to two goalies that have a history of getting injured. Yeah, I mean, in both right around playoff, I remember just, you know, a couple seasons ago, they were both healthy going in. De Smith gets hurt in the first playoff practice. And then last year, game one gets hurt as he's replacing Tristan Jari.

Starting point is 00:24:11 Then Jari has to come back in game seven playing on a broken foot. And, you know, did his best. But, you know, then this season, he's been banged up throughout, you know, it's definitely a curious decision by a GM who you think would know that position the best because obviously he's one of the better goaltenders of all time. But, you know, I mean, I look at the goalie market, there's a lot, Rob. Cam Talbot, you know, he's fine. John Gibson's out there, but that's a wallop of a contract.

Starting point is 00:24:40 Thatcher Demko, but he's been hurt for most of the season. I don't know if I would make one right now, but I think in the summer, I think they're going to seriously look at that position, if you ask me. But that wraps up the second segment. Coming up in the final segment, we're going to look a little ahead to tonight's game against the Predators and a look ahead to the rest of the week as this is a I would say a pretty big road trip for the Penguins. But before we get to that,

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Starting point is 00:26:17 I'm Hunter Hodes. That is Rob Rossi. So, right, I did kind of like a mini preview for the game against Nashville on my Monday episode. This is a big game. You know, you're playing up against a team that is not that good, but they have scored quite a few goals these last few games, I believe. 12 rules in the last two, 19 in their last three, if my math is correct.

Starting point is 00:26:38 Maybe actually, you know, a couple of those games, they beat the sharks and the ducks. So whatever. But this team is still scoring a little bit, even though they don't have Ryan Johansson. Tanner Jinnert was just traded. Philip Forsberg is banged up. You know, Nita Ryder just got traded. This screams like a game at the Penguins need to win because by a team that's selling, there's rumors that Matias Ekholm is going to be.

Starting point is 00:27:02 be out on the market. I think he's potentially going to go to Edmonton. They're really looking out, upgraded their defense. Honestly, just outside this game, this is a major week for this team. Oh, yeah. I mean, I think this is a must-win game.

Starting point is 00:27:19 I've been saying it, you know, when they play the teams that are clearly inferior to them, they've got to win now. This isn't one of those games where it matters how they get to two points. If they give one back, they just need to get them. it could be potentially uh you know they match up well with the Tampa Bay lightning um Mike Sullivan seems to have sort of found some cracks in John Cooper's armor there so uh obviously it would be different with them facing Vasilleschi in Tampa as opposed to not facing Vaselisky in Pittsburgh

Starting point is 00:27:50 and you would think after the game that Tampa had in Pittsburgh on Sunday Tampa would certain the Penguins would have Tampa's attention but um it's not out of the realm of possibility, I think that the penguins could get three to four points from this three game road trip, which would be really big. I think they need at least three. I think they need to get the two tonight against Nashville and figure out a way to get a point from either Tampa or Florida. But if they could get four out of six, that would be huge. It's tough for me to really feel confident about the penguins because they've just been so inconsistent. Their specialty teams haven't been good. I mean, I think that's one of the things about them again.

Starting point is 00:28:31 waving McGinn that, you know, we were told he would be a great penalty killer. Their penalty kills since December 22nd is, I think, 74%. I mean, it's been terrible. They're not killing any penalties. They're not scoring that many power play goals. And other than the game against Tampa, they're not really getting secondary scoring. They think they have 20 goals from their defensemen this year. That was only the ninth game this season, the Tampa Bay game,

Starting point is 00:28:55 where the penguins have had more than one goal from their bottom six. So I, you know, it's, it's been largely up to the top six. And really, I mean, Crosby and Malkin are having one of their great showings. If they can carry this team into a playoff spot. But they have to get this win. If they don't win in Nashville, it pretty much nullifies the win they got at home against Tampa that not a lot of people were expecting. And they're just not in a position to squander. these points, especially when, Hunter, they've been given a gift. A lot of the teams they've needed to lose lately have lost. The Red Wings last night? Yeah, the Penguins could be in a much worse spot in terms of their playoff positioning if some of the teams that they're in contention with have taken

Starting point is 00:29:51 care of their own business. So the Penguins have been gifted sort of an opportunity to stay above the fray, so to speak, and only be a point out, if not holding one of the wild card spots. And they haven't had to been in a position where they need to jump too many teams. So, yeah, this is a big trip for them. They're all going to be big games. And, you know, I just warn people out there. It's, I don't think anybody's going to separate themselves from this pack. I think this is just going to be sort of down to the final week. And you got to hope that you're the team in position to capitalize over that final week. and the penguin schedule does get a little easier as the season goes on.

Starting point is 00:30:30 They have a lot of home games in March. They get a couple games against the Flyers. They still got the blue jackets. I mean, they've got some, you know, beatable opponents. I think they got about 10 games against teams that they could be expected to win. But, you know, you don't want to be in a position where you have to win every one. And it's kind of the position they're in. Yeah.

Starting point is 00:30:50 You know, I look at those two games against the Islanders. They hold those two leads. They probably bury those guys. And they're up to what? Is anyone points right now, Rob? Yes, six points behind the Rangers and the top wildcard spot. Things will be looking a lot more different right now. And you said the best, some of those teams have lost.

Starting point is 00:31:07 The Red Wings, they blew a bad one to Ottawa last night. They get them again tonight. The Red Wings lose this one. Penguins win tonight. Penguins will be five points up on them. We'll have to see if Steve Eisener and, you know, reconsider his potentially buying at the down line. He could go back to selling.

Starting point is 00:31:22 You know, he's kind of in that weird situation here. The Sabers are not going anywhere. Islanders have a lot of teams in hand, but I don't know it's going to make a huge difference because Mount Barzell is out, but they've still won a few games without him. But yeah, I mean, this is a game against that Predators team. They're banged up.

Starting point is 00:31:39 Forsberg's been hurt. Johansson's out. They have some star talent. UC Soros can steal any game whenever he wants to, but you got to be a team when they're down. They got to take care of business on this one. Tampa Bay. They've won four of the last five against John Cooper.

Starting point is 00:31:54 you know, Mike Sullivan seems to always know how to beat the lightning in the era there. So which is interesting. And then the game against the Panthers, the team that really hasn't figured it out much, but still, Penguins are going to want to win that one as well. And also, it is the dad's trip,

Starting point is 00:32:11 which is also why I feel terrible that McGinn and Friedman were waived today. That's just probably going to make for some, maybe some weird conversations, but, you know, I think McGinn is still going to be playing in the lineup tonight. But Rob, I think, that's really all I have for you with this one. Just let the readers know, do you have anything coming up on the athletic this week in the next 72 hours for? Yeah, there'll be a lot of stuff at the athletic. We have a live blog going to sort of react in real time as we hear things.

Starting point is 00:32:42 There's definitely going to be some stories from both Josh Oey and myself. I'd love to be able to tell you what we have, but we're working the phones and, you know, trying to make sense of things as we hear them and try to do a good job of responsible reporting and not idle speculation. But as it gets closer to the deadline here, it sort of gets tougher to figure out what's real and what isn't. But we'll definitely have, we'll definitely have content for you. So thanks for reading if you're doing that. Yeah. So definitely check out the athletic for that. These next 72 hours are going to be a whirlwind. That's how it always is when it comes to the trade deadline and stuff. But Rob, really appreciate you coming on.

Starting point is 00:33:23 8 o'clock face-on tonight, down in Smashville against the Predators. We'll see if the Penguins can make it three in a row. While we'll get a full game recap coming up on Wednesday. Until then, thank you all so much for listening.

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