Penguins' Sullivan views Cullen as 'extension of our coaching staff'

Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan had some high praise for his veteran forward following Saturday's practice.

"I look at (Matt Cullen) as an extension of our coaching staff," Sullivan told Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "That's how highly we think of him."

Cullen has played 19 seasons in the NHL, so this amount of respect comes with good measure. Having such a veteran leader is crucial on a team with several young players, such as Jake Guentzel and Conor Sheary, in their first or second year in the league.

Though he's certainly a valuable asset off the ice, Cullen has proven to be just as valuable on the ice.

Without the injured Nick Bonino in the lineup the past three games, he has stepped into a third-line role, averaging more than 17 minutes per night. That's a lot when you consider he's 40 years old, making him the third-oldest active player behind Shane Doan (40 years, 243 days) and Jaromir Jagr (45).

His biggest contributions have come in the faceoff circle, where he's won 60 percent of his draws in the last three games and 56.5 percent overall in the postseason.

The grizzled veteran is seeking his third Stanley Cup ring. Given his winning pedigree and his proven leadership qualities, it wouldn't be surprising if Cullen got into coaching after he hangs 'em up.