Predators veteran Matt Cullen faces decision on career

Before the Predators scattered for the summer, veteran forward Matt Cullen appeared before the media looking very fresh for someone who had just completed his 17th NHL season.

"I felt great down the stretch and in the playoffs," said Cullen, the Predators' oldest player at 38. "I'm lucky that way because I was able to really enjoy it. It was a fun run."

Cullen's two-year, $7 million contract will end this summer, and with that comes a decision regarding the continuation of his career. Having played for seven teams since entering the league in 1997, Cullen has appeared in 1,212 regular-season games, 11th-most among active players.

"I'm going to take a little while, just kind of take some time and sit back," Cullen said. "Obviously, everything happens fast at the end and disappointed in the way it all ended up, but I'll just sit back and take a little time and be with the family and let the body settle down and calm down. I don't really have a structure yet."

Statistically, this season was among Cullen's least productive, with his 25 points being the fewest since 2003-04. Coach Peter Laviolette relied on Cullen's versatility to play both center and wing at various points. When a groin injury prevented forward Mike Fisher from playing in most of Nashville's first-round series with Chicago, Cullen filled in at second-line center.

In an interview with The Dickinson (North Dakota) Press dated April 30, Cullen said, "I know already in my head that there's a few places, if I do (decide) to play, I'd consider going to." As for where those places may be, he added that he "(wants) to be close to" his Minnesota home, where his wife and three young sons will live next year regardless of his decision.

"I know that he should (continue playing)," agent Pat Morris said during a Tuesday phone interview. "He can still skate and still make plays, and he's still a very good teammate."

Morris said Cullen was still contemplating his next move, but also mentioned that the Predators' depth at forward — which could be even deeper next season with the potential additions of Steve Moses, Kevin Fiala and Viktor Arvidsson, among others — may preclude Cullen from returning to Nashville.

If Cullen decides to retire, it won't be for a lack of passion for hockey.

"I love the game, I really do," Cullen said. "And I had a lot of fun playing this year. I don't think I'll ever stop loving playing. It's all the other stuff that goes with it. There's a lot more that goes into it, especially as you get older."

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