In less than a week, Matt Cullen may have played his last NHL game.
While the 40-year-old Penguins center admitted Saturday that he's leaning one direction, Cullen said he's keeping his retirement decision on the back burner, focusing only on closing the Stanley Cup final with a win.
"It's definitely something that you think about," Cullen said. "I've thought a lot about it. I've tried to put it out of my mind as much as possible. I'm going to give it a little bit of time after (the season). I have a pretty good feel where I'm at. I just want to focus on the present here and take care of that after."
Cullen has the chance to ride off into the sunset in about the most glorious way possible: as a highly productive player on a team that has won back-to-back Cups.
If the Penguins can close out the Predators, it would actually be the third Cup of Cullen's career after he won one with Carolina in 2006.
How Cullen will approach this decision has not changed. All season long he's said he wants to take his time; Cullen's also been an in-the-moment type and doesn't plan to change now.
When he does make the ultimate call, Cullen will weigh a few factors: Whether he's healthy and effective; whether he's wanted anywhere; whether he's still having fun; and whether his family _ wife Bridget and sons Brooks, Wyatt and Joey _ wants him to keep playing.
The funny thing is that Cullen has been as healthy as a 40-year-old playing more than 200 NHL games past two seasons can expect. An offer from the Penguins or another NHL club likely wouldn't be a problem. Cullen's love of hockey in unparalleled. And he has a great situation; the family loves Pittsburgh, and his boys go to school at the Penguins practice rink.
"It definitely means more when you're a big part of it, and that's one of the things that I've been so appreciative of and have enjoyed so much the last two years _ being able to play a big role on this team and use what I have to the fullest to help this group," Cullen said. "Obviously we have some superstars here. It's nice to be a role player who does his part."
Penguins coach Mike Sullivan values Cullen's contributions so much that the Penguins consider Cullen " an extension of the coaching staff."
"Matt Cullen is a guy who brings so much perspective to our team," Sullivan said. "I think he's enjoying the opportunity that's in front of us right now.
"He's a guy who has so much experience to draw on. He's had both successes and failures. He's been in the game a long time. I think he shares that experience or those experiences with this group."
To say Cullen's teammates love him is a ridiculous understatement.
Just Saturday Cullen was joking with his stallmate, Carter Rowney, and needling Bryan Rust about handling media responsibilities in Nashville.
Younger players routinely talk about how comfortable Cullen makes them feel on the ice. Veterans respect Cullen's voice, demeanor and approach.
It's easy to see Cullen's having the time of his life, but the allure of going out on top _ twice _ may simply be too perfect to pass up.
"It's not something you would ever dare dream about," Cullen said of winning two Cups then calling it quits. "I guess that's part of the challenge this time of year. It's so important to stay in the moment, but to have that dream sitting out there is pretty exciting."
