Minnesota Wild center Matt Cullen is one assist shy of 300 for his career.
Just how big is that milestone? He will become just the 47th American-born player to reach the mark in his career.
Cullen has played on lines with talented players like Paul Kariya and Teemu Selane in Anaheim, Eric Staal and Ray Whitney in Carolina, Brendan Shanahan in New York, and Daniel Alfredsson and Mike Fisher in Ottawa.
That certainly has helped. However, Cullen’s playmaking ability should get much of the credit for what he’s been able to do in a largly unheralded career.
This year, Cullen has spent a lot of time on a line with Guillaume Latandresse and Martin Havlat. He’s been able to bury the majority of his chances on the power-play, which has helped the Wild to a 4-3-2 record.
He will get is first chance to play with rookie Casey Wellman tonight. Wellman will replace Latandresse on Cullen’s second line.
“Latandresse has a lot of raw ability,” Cullen said. “He’s just been kind of banged up these first 10 games. Marty (Havlat) is one of the better playmakers I’ve played with.”
Keep an eye out for assist No. 300 coming soon.
NOTES: Former Moorhead Spud Jason Blake is nearing the 200 goals milestone. The Anaheim left wing has 192 goals entering Saturday’s game. … Check out The Forum for more coverage of Cullen’s 300th assist.
Cullen is overlooked because he never got star”billing. Maybe he can get more deserved attention on the Wild, it will be hard to do with King Koivu on the throne there. Havlat and Cullen have much more talent than Koivu, with him calling the shots there. Hopefully Cullen will get the recognition he deserves.