Cullen (lower body) won't be in the lineup against the Islanders on Monday, but did take part in the game-day skate in a non-contact jersey, Sam Kasan of Pens Inside Scoop reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cullen appears to be trending in the right direction and could slot back into the lineup sooner rather than late. Once given the green light, the veteran should take his spot as the fourth-line center, which will likely force Derek Grant to the wing. Prior to getting hurt, the Minnesota native notched four points in 18 outings and was a mainstay on the penalty kill.

Cullen (lower body) took the ice prior to Wednesday's practice, Sam Kasan of Pens Inside Scoop reports.

EDGE Analysis

While it's certainly a step in the right direction, Cullen wasn't able to join the team for a full practice and is likely still at least a week away. Once given the green light, the Minnesota native figures to slot into a bottom-six role and, perhaps more importantly, should resume his duties on the penalty kill.

Cullen (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Monday, per the NHL media site.

EDGE Analysis

Designating Cullen for injured reserve was only a matter of time considering the team is preparing for a long-term absence. The recently demoted Garrett Wilson could be in line for a promotion in order to provide additional forward depth with Cullen sidelined. With no clear indication on the nature or severity of Cullen's injury, speculation will abound as to whether this will mark the end of his NHL career.

Cullen is expected to be out long term due to a lower-body injury.

EDGE Analysis

While the team didn't provide an update on how long Cullen might be sidelined, it certainly sounds like he is in the week-to-week category at minimum. Given the expectations, the veteran center will likely be placed on injured reserve to free up a roster spot on the team. The Minnesota native logged 10:45 of ice time versus Ottawa on Saturday -- relatively on par with his season average 11:46 -- and even managed to score a goal, so it's unclear when he may have suffered his injury. Riley Sheahan should find himself back in the lineup with Cullen unavailable.

Cullen scored his first goal of the 2018-19 campaign in Thursday's commanding 9-1 victory over the Flames.

EDGE Analysis

The Penguins' trip to Western Canada has been good for a number of players, including Cullen who now has three points in his last two outings. The NHL's oldest active player figures to serve on the team's defensively-minded fourth line for much of the season, but can provide solid depth scoring alongside Riley Sheahan.

Cullen is still searching for his first point of the 2018-19 campaign.

EDGE Analysis

Cullen looked strong in the preseason, but has struggled to produce in the early part of the year. The fact that veteran has switched between the wing and his natural center position could certainly be a factor. While the team no doubt would like to get some offensive production out of the 41-year-old, the fact is he was probably brought in more for his leadership, penalty-killing and locker room contributions

Cullen scored on his only shot while playing 11:28 during a 5-1 preseason victory over the Sabres on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The 41-year-old is back with the Penguins and is fitting right in this preseason, already scoring a few goals. He's only going to be useful in deeper fantasy leagues, but it wouldn't be a surprise if Cullen scored around 12 goals and 30 points in a fourth-line role. He will also win a ton of faceoffs.

Cullen registered two goals and an assist in Saturday's 7-3 victory over Columbus.

EDGE Analysis

While Cullen's leadership skills are probably his greatest contribution to the team, Cullen was stellar in his return to Pittsburgh. The 42-year-old paced the team with six shots and exploded for two goals and an assist in 14:32 of ice time.

Cullen penned a one-year, $650,000 contract with the Penguins on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Cullen returns to Pittsburgh following a one-year stint in Minnesota. The 40-year-old will likely fill in as a fourth-line center, while Riley Sheahan slides over to the wing. General manager Jim Rutherford tried to bring back the veteran at the trade deadline last season, as the team covets not only his contributions on the ice, but his locker room leadership.

Cullen (rest) is expected to be in the lineup Saturday against the Sharks, Sarah McLellan of the Star-Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cullen didn't play Thursday but that seemed to just be to give his legs a break. Given that he's 38 now, and the Wild are headed to the playoffs, that was a reasonable decision. The veteran American should see some ice time against San Jose, although don't be surprised if Minnesota limits his minutes just to be on the safe side.