Cullen joins Penguins staff in player development role

Matt Cullen
joined the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey operations department in a player development role Thursday.

The 42-year-old forward retired from the NHL on July 10 after 21 seasons, including last season with the Penguins. He won the Stanley Cup three times, including twice with Pittsburgh (2016, 2017).
Cullen will work with general manager Jim Rutherford and coach Mike Sullivan.
"Matt's knowledge of the game and understanding of our organization will make him a valuable asset moving forward," Rutherford said. "With over 20 years in the NHL and three Stanley Cups, we are certain he will continue to have a positive influence on our players."

Selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round (No. 35) of the 1996 NHL Draft, Cullen had 731 points (266 goals, 465 assists) in 1,516 NHL games with the Ducks, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators and Penguins. He had 58 points (19 goals, 39 assists) in 132 playoff games and also won the Stanley Cup in 2006 with the Hurricanes.
"'Cully' was a cerebral player with great leadership skills," Sullivan said. "He is a natural coach who will offer great insight to our coaching staff and to our players. We look forward to adding him to our staff."
In 225 regular-season games with the Penguins, Cullen had 83 points (36 goals, 47 assists). He was an alternate captain in each of his three seasons.