Pittsburgh Penguins: Matt Cullen Declines Retiring, Signs With Minnesota Wild

Pittsburgh Penguins: Matt Cullen has opted out of retirement and has decided to sign with the Minnesota Wild.

While many believed that 40-year-old Matt Cullen would retire after his consecutive Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Now, Cullen has opted not to retire and has signed a one-year contract with former team, the Minnesota Wild.

The three-time Stanley Cup winner will play his 20th NHL season with his hometown team, the Minnesota Wild.

The Wild announced today that they have signed Cullen to a one-year deal worth $1 million and up to $700,000 in potential performance bonuses.

Last season, Cullen notched 31 points in 72 games with the Pens. He also posted a 51.2 faceoff percentage. The veteran center was a Stanley Cup victor in his two seasons with the Penguins.

Matt Cullen As a Wild

Cullen will play, what will likely be his last NHL season, with his hometown team, the Minnesota Wild. This won’t be Cullen’s first time as a Wild, as he was a member of the team from 2010 to 2013.

It was previously believed that Cullen would retire from the NHL, at 40 years old, but his new deal with Minnesota will give him another season.

The veteran center will end his career in his hometown state as a member of his hometown team. Cullen has had a very accomplished career thus far and it isn’t over yet. Cullen will bring a strong and successful veteran presence to the Wild as they look to chase the Cup and compete.

The 40-year-old is a solid and reliable player, despite his age. He has proved that he still has what it takes to play hard and compete alongside players, sometimes, half his age. His play has assisted the Penguins in two big Stanley Cup victories, with good reason.

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Cullen became well-loved as a Penguin by his teammates and Pittsburgh fans. He posted two incredible seasons and was a member of the team that notched consecutive Stanley Cup wins.

Cullen will be missed in Pittsburgh and, while he didn’t retire as a Penguin, will be remembered and admired for what he helped the team accomplish.

Good luck, Matt Cullen!