CRANBERRY, Pa. -- Matt Cullen has not yet made a decision on whether or not he'll return for his 22nd NHL season in the fall.
When speaking to reporters during the Penguins' locker room cleanout day at the Lemieux Complex on Thursday, 42-year-old Cullen said that it will be a family decision.
"It's a big decision for me and for my family," he said. "I know in the whole scheme of things it's not that big of a deal, but for us it's a big deal. We'll just give it its due time and put a little thought and time into it, and figure something out here before too long."
Cullen said that he felt "as good as he's felt in a long time" this season, and is thankful that his body has allowed him to continue to play at this level at his age. He recorded seven goals and 13 assists in 71 games in a fourth-line role this season, the lowest point total of his career.
When the Penguins were swept by the Islanders on Tuesday, Cullen admitted that he did take some time and consider that he may have just played his last professional hockey game. If it was his final game, he hasn't given much thought into what he'd like to do next.
If he wishes to remain in the organization, a role in player development is likely an option. In recent years, the Penguins have hired former players -- Mark Recchi, Sergei Gonchar, Bill Guerin, and Tom Kostopoulos, to name a few -- as player development coaches either immediately or shortly after their playing careers ended. With the way Cullen has been a leader in the locker room in recent seasons, he could be a natural in a role like that. I mean, not many guys get the nickname Dad in the locker room.
Of course, one of the most special parts of these past several years for Cullen has been being able to share it with his three young sons, Brooks, Wyatt, and Joey.
"I'm so thankful for them," said Cullen. "I couldn't ask for a better group of guys and a better organization to be around for me and my family, my kids. They'll wear black and gold for the rest of their lives, I'll tell you that. It's been an awesome ride. It's really just been awesome."
MATT SUNDAY GALLERY