Ex-Predator Matt Cullen 'excited' for 18th NHL season

When former Predators forward Matt Cullen's season ended in April, he was in no rush to make a decision on his future. The veteran returned to his Minnesota home, where he spent time with his three young sons and relaxed by the lake.

As the 38-year-old Cullen recovered from the rigors of another season, the itch to train never subsided. He still felt excited to skate, which he has been doing for the past month or so, and his passion for playing hadn't waned.

Currently unsigned, Cullen, who was Nashville's oldest player last season, is preparing for what could be his 18th NHL season.

"I'm excited about the idea of playing again," Cullen said during a phone interview Monday. "I'm leaning a lot more that way. Now that doesn't necessarily mean that I'll be somewhere, because I am 38 and teams see that number and it's a big number, so I understand that side of it. ... Bottom line is that I just still really love to play the game, and the fact that I'm excited about another season is a good thing."

With the Predators planning to integrate several young forwards into their lineup next season, Cullen knew that a return to Nashville was unlikely after two seasons.

"I went into Nashville not 100 percent (sure) what to expect as far as everything, just the living and the hockey," said Cullen, who scored 64 points in 139 games with the Predators. "My entire family just absolutely loved being in Nashville and I loved it. It was a lot of fun and we had a great group. ... I wish we could have accomplished more, and I wish I could have accomplished more."

When the free agent market opened July 1, Cullen didn't expect anything to happen immediately. Teams have called, noting that they'd circle back to him once priorities were handled and their rosters began to take shape.

"The last little bit, it's kind of picked up a little bit, and there's a few teams now that have expressed some interest," Cullen said. "We're just going through where I would fit salary cap wise and things like that. ... It's been good. I've been thrilled with the fact that there's been a few teams looking to hopefully make a move here."

Cullen politely declined to divulge which teams he had spoken to, but shared that both of the league's conferences are represented.

Previously planning to stay close to home, Cullen said that he and his family are more open to moving one more time with next season, as of now, probably being his last.

"We're kind of looking at it as though we'll do one more season here and approach it as the last," Cullen said. "I'm not making any decisions right now, but more than likely this would be my last season and just give her hell, you know?"

Reach Adam Vingan at 615-259-8023 and on Twitter @AdamVingan

Matt Cullen's Career

Games: 1,212 (11th-most among active players)

Teams: Seven (Anaheim, Florida, Carolina, New York Rangers, Ottawa, Minnesota, Nashville)

Goals: 219

Points: 626

Honors: 2005-06 Stanley Cup champion