NHL Rumors: Cullen, Blue Jackets and Wild
Minnesota Wild forwards and RFAs Mikael Granlund and Nino Niederreiter
On Matt Cullen

Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: 40-year old Matt Cullen’s playing days could be coming to an end very soon. The Penguins are one win away from another Stanley Cup and it might be the perfect ending to his 19-year NHL career.

“I’m aware of the fact that I’m 40 years old,” Cullen said. “Time’s ticking. It’s weird. I don’t feel like an old player. The game keeps you feeling young. But I look around, and I understand I’m a lot older than everybody else.”

Cullen will give the decision to retire or not some time and will discuss with his family.

On the Columbus Blue Jackets …

Aaron Portzline: (after the Joonas Korpisalo signing) The Blue Jackets might already have a deal in place with the Vegas Golden Knights, but don’t think the signing indicates that they do.

Aaron Portzline: If the Blue Jackets were to trade Korpisalo, think his value should be a late first round pick or a second round pick.

On the Minnesota Wild …

Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman was on The NHL Network and was talking about the Minnesota Wild, their RFAs and the expansion draft. Mikael Granlund and Nino Niederreiter are RFAs.

“Well, I think it’s possible that one of them could get dealt,” said Friedman. “I did hear Nino Niederreiter’s name earlier in the spring. I asked Chuck Fletcher about it, and all he would say is, ‘We’re listening on everything.’ So that says to me there’s a chance.”

Friedman wonders if the Wild will ask Jason Pominville to waive his no-movement clause and what would they do if he says no.

Friedman also thinks they don’t want to leave Jason Zucker unprotected for the expansion draft.

“I think also they’ve got moves on defense – Dumba or Brodin. I think Chuck Fletcher has got a lot of balls in the air. I don’t think trading Granlund or Niederreiter is his preference, but I think a) if he gets a good offer and b) if he’s boxed into a corner it could happen. Something like that could happen.”