Canes Country Exit Analysis: Matt Cullen
by Bob Wage on Jun 11, 2009 1:35 AM EDT
27 comments
Matt Cullen had some highs and lows playing for the Carolina Hurricanes last season. After a somewhat slow start on the third line, the center was eventually moved up in Rod Brind'Amour's spot on the second line and was one of the Hurricanes most dynamic players for a stretch of time. But near the end of the year he took a puck off his foot and missed the last few games of the season. It was rumored that his foot was broken and the player had to undergo painful treatment in order to participate in the playoffs. But even though he was not quite himself in the postseason, he still chipped in with three goals and three assists.
The Anaheim Ducks originally drafted Cullen back in 1996. In 2003 the Ducks traded him to Florida in a deal which had Sandis Ozolinsh coming to Anaheim. (Coincidentally, Carolina traded Ozolinsh to Florida the previous year). After a horrendous year with the Panthers, the Canes signed Cullen as a free agent in 2004 because of a recommendation by then coach Peter Laviolette. After the lockout, the center scored career best numbers, (49 points), and earned a huge contract from the NY Rangers. Of course the Canes missed him when he left town and made a deal for his return just one year later.
This past season the American born skater was almost able to match his career best numbers, even though he missed 13 games due to injury. He had a faceoff percentage of 51.7%, had the team's best shooting percentage at 15.8%, and was tied for third best on the team with a +11. He was also tied with Chad LaRose for scoring a team high, two short-handed goals.
The Good- Cullen has above average speed, is creative with the puck, and is a good team player. He has a solid percentage in the faceoff circle and earned more ice time as the season progressed as he consistently outplayed Brind'Amour. He's an under-rated two way player and is very responsible in his own end. He's also a dependable penalty killer and teamed up with Chad LaRose to give the team a legitimate threat to score while short-handed. As his team leading shooting percentage indicates, he obviously needs to put more pucks on net. He only took 139 shots compared to Eric Staal's 372.
The Bad- Cullen could be described as one of those players who tends to play with the puck a bit more than he should. (See above about taking more shots). While his 22 goals were the second best in his career, his 21 assists could be better for a second line center. Once again, shooting the puck more would create more rebounds for his linemates, thus pump up his assist totals accordingly. The once dependable sharpshooter was 0-5 on the shootout this past season.
The Money- This coming year will be the final year of the contract which he originally signed with the Rangers. The Canes will pay him 2.8 million and then the center will be an unrestricted free agent in 2010. It will be interesting to see if Carolina will want to bring him back afterwards because he's not getting any younger, (now 32). A lot will depend upon his performance and durability next season.
______
Previous grades, (by poll average):
Eric Staal - B
Rod Brind'Amour - C
Ryan Bayda - B
Niclas Wallin - C
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Cullen
Has really suffered from a run of bad luck the past few seasons. Concussion problems limited his play last season and early this past season. He really seemed to be getting back to the old Cullen somewhere around mid-season. At times down the stretch Cullen the best player on the ice. His speed can give forwards and d-men alike fits. I agree with Bubba in that he needs to shoot the puck more often. Like the Great one said “Shooting the puck might not be the best play, but it’s never a bad play.” Seems to have great chemistry with Rosie and Whitney, one can only wonder what this combo could accomplish over a whole season. One could speculate that if he hadn’t broken his foot late in the season, it would not have taken 7 games to beat Jersey and Boston. He was just seemingly getting his legs under him when we were ousted by the Pens. Realistically, Rosie and Cullen were the only ones that had much jump in the final round. Cullen would get an A from me if he could stay healthy for an entire season. Makes you really appreciate the fact the Staal hasn’t missed a game since his rookie year.
If he can stay healthy
I agree he peaked in the Pitt series – bad timing for him. If he can stay healthy, I predict 09-10 will be the best year of his career. Won’t hurt that he’ll be negotiating his new contract as a UFA next summer to add extra motivation.
I gave him a B+ – though it wasn’t exactly his fault he took that foot injury in March. Without that, I think the playoffs might have been even stronger with him firing on all cylinders, and we’d be discussing his re-emergence with the same enthusiasm that we all seem to feel for Rosey and Jussi.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
Tough for me to be objective; Cullen is my favorite player right now (partly for sentimental reasons — I remember when he was just starting out, playing with Kariya and Selanne in Anaheim). He is capable of some great moves, and I think he has the talent to be a solid 2nd line center, as long as he can stay healthy.
I’ll never forget the morning I was watching ESPN from a hotel room at Atlantic Beach and read the sports ticker across the bottom that said “Carolina hurricanes acquire Matt Cullen for (whoever it was… I forget)”
I’ll spare the details…. but I was excited to have him back…..
For Matt Cullen to play through what he played through this season (broken foot… possible concussions… etc…) and still put up the #’s he put up…. he should be graded at A+ Hopefully he will come back next season fully healthy and really go on a tare….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jun 11, 2009 10:02 AM EDT reply actions
It was Hutchinson, Joe Barnes and a third.
My biggest concern with Matt is his durability. He seems to need to be close to 100 percent to be at his best, and he’s rarely there. But when he is, he’s capable of being a great complimentary scorer.
B for me.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 11, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Good point Cory
If Cullen is not all there, he tends to get knocked of the puck to easy, mostly due to a lack of burst in his stride. When he is on, he tends to blow by d-men and create space for linemates, thought as stated by Bubba he does tend to dance a bit to much with the puck looking for the perfect play or shot. Of course, Sammy does the same thing.
Cullen came up huge for the Canes when they needed him. I gave him an A without having to think about it too much. In a way, his play epitomizes the Hurricanes’ game: not a superstar, but he’s got lots of skills and speed, he’s a borderline 2nd/3rd liner who can raise his game to a 1st/2nd line level when he needs to, and he doesn’t take penalties.
Matt Cullen
Matt is just as good a player as a lot of the others are.
robert
Ok…. I’ve been waiting for almost 24 hours for someone to own up to it….
Who was the boob who gave him an F?
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jun 12, 2009 9:19 AM EDT reply actions
Or someone frustrated with his injuries?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
There have been a couple F’s on all the reports. I think it’s just someone toying with the polls. (or seeking some sort of vicarious revenge for whatever grades s/he got on his/her report card )
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jun 12, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
I gave him a very solid B+
But I could really see the argument for giving him an A as well, I only downgraded because he did struggle some with the injuries both early (concussion recovery) and late (foot) in the season. He was great on special teams. And that was an awesome first career hat trick against the Avs.
Flat out A.
“The best player on the ice” has been said about Cullen this year several times. How many times did Staal get that? Brindy?
A “B” for injury isn’t fair when he was one of the few putting out his all every second on the ice. Sutter early in the year was the only threat on a PK and only had a few breakaways (nice, though, the kid has nads) Then Cullen and Rosie fired up some effort. Cullen was solid every game he played and picked up the slack from Brindy’s shit play and Staals lack of having his Cole around. Pity for his shoulder or whatever mystery injury he had and penalize Cullen for having broken bones? sounds like some of the NHL ref’s calling this.
Cullen is one of the few that earned his check every night.
My .02 is that was a solid A year for Cullen.
A
Playing in all the games is an important part of being a good player.
60+ games from the best player in the NHL makes him…well, not the best player in the NHL. You’re not earning your check “every night” if you’re taking 13 games off, whether it’s your fault or not.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 13, 2009 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I do not agree with that… I didnt give Cullen an A… but you can not fault a player for trying every time he was on the ice.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 14, 2009 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions
and I dont think anyone ever thought of Cullen as the “best player in the NHL”.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 14, 2009 2:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I wasn't suggesting he was...
I was making a point. Durability is important. And players should be expected to “try every time they are on the ice.”
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 14, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I understood your point, and agree with you that durability is very important- and has to have some factor in grading a players performance when it comes from management… however we see Cullen giving 100% when he is on the ice. To say that he is “not earning” his check is more than a bit harsh.
Now I agree with you that Julius Peppers hasnt been earning his checks… but Matt Cullen?! I dunno man…
by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 14, 2009 1:51 PM EDT reply actions
Read what I said again:
You’re not earning your check "every night" if you’re taking 13 games off, whether it’s your fault or not
I’m not in any way questioning his on-ice effort.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 14, 2009 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I know what you said.
and I still disagree.
He has earned it. I dont think you will find many people that would say he hasnt. His on-ice effort is part of my reasoning.
I know we like to think(and rightfully so…) that players should give 100% at all times, and are “expected” to try every time they are on the ice- but that is just not reality. The ones like Chad LaRose, Matt Cullen, Ruutu… these guys do. That to me is “earning” their paycheck even if the way they play brings about injuries and they have to sit out from time to time. Not saying that Cullen’s injuries are due to him pressing someones face into the boards(we all know Cullen is NOO hitter), but this is hockey- people get hurt. 13 games a season isnt a huge number. He is no Justin Williams.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 15, 2009 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions
13 games is more than 15% of the season.
So in that case, you’d be ok with paying him $3.3 mil if he did play in every game?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 15, 2009 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions
No. I am willing to pay him what his contract says he should get paid, even if he does get injured. As long as he isnt a major question mark year in and out, then he deserves his pay with the way he plays. If he came back and couldnt ever get back in the swing of things, I would feel different.
This is hockey. People get hurt. I understand your logic, but it is just not realistic. We are lucky that Staal plays every game of every season so far… but can you really “expect” that out of everyone? I dont think so.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 15, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
He's averaged less than 70 games a year in Carolina.
And 64 in the last two. Explain to me how that’s a statement in your book and not a question.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 15, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Because he gets his job done when he is on the ice. Sure he isnt the most reliable player in the NHL, but it could be a lot worse too. Like I said, hes no Justin WIlliams. I said that I dont think he is a MAJOR question.
We might as well just go ahead and agree to disagree… I still think Cullen has earned his paycheck.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 15, 2009 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions
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