Cullen collected an assist and finished with a plus-1 rating in a 4-3 OT victory over Columbus on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Despite bouncing around the lines, he saw significant time with Sidney Crosby. After missing the last six games because of a foot injury, Cullen played just over 13 minutes (13:04), won four of six faceoffs and registered two hits. His assist was nearly a goal, but Patric Hornqvist smacked in Cullen's rebound as the puck crossed the goal line. Look for the 40-year-old to continue receiving additional opportunities to skate alongside Crosby in February, bumping up his value.

Cullen (foot), who will return to action Friday after missing six games, is expected to see time as Sidney Crosby's left winger, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Mike Sullivan mixed and matched his lines during the team's first game back from the All-Star break -- and that was before Crosby linemate Conor Sheary (upper body) got hurt. Sullivan values Cullen's fine defense and faceoff ability (52.3 percent), but it would be unwise to count on him as a solitary solution while Sheary misses the next month or so. Still, the 40-year-old forward -- who may not be owned widely -- deserves a look as a waiver-wire pickup.

Cullen will be sidelined for 3-to-4 weeks with a foot injury after blocking a shot in Monday's outing, Michelle Crechiolo of Pens Inside Scoop reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cullen was a steadying, veteran force during the Pens' 2016 Stanley Cup run, as he played in all 82 games last season. The center is averaging 13:16 of ice time this year, including 2:31 with the man advantage. With the 40-year-old missing in action, Eric Fehr will likely slot into the Pens' fourth line.

Cullen posted two assists, one on the power play, in a 6-2 victory over the Lightning on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The Penguins fourth line has been strong overall, but they've gone through a little dry spell over the last month. With his two assists, Cullen snapped a nine-game scoreless streak Sunday. Despite the drought, Cullen has seven goals and 14 points in 39 games, practically putting him on the same pace as last season's 16 goals and 32 points in 82 contests. That's quite impressive for 40 years old.

Cullen scored his seventh goal of the season -- and third in three games -- Thursday against the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

He's contributed his three goals on just two shots -- he was awarded a rare empty-net goal without actually shooting it against the Red Wings. Cullen continues to defy the odds at age 40, centering Pittsburgh's fourth line while occasionally stepping up into a top-six role.

Cullen collected an empty-net tally in Friday's 5-3 home win over the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

Even at 40 years old, Cullen is capable of recording a decent amount of minutes -- he skated for 15:33 in Thursday's win over the Stars -- and the Minnesota native is a solid ice general that younger players look up to. He's recorded 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 25 games this season.

Cullen practiced as a left winger with Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust during Thursday's practice, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 40-year-old could see top-six ice time if Chris Kunitz (upper-body) misses Friday's game against the Islanders. That could provide fantasy owners with more value as he typically centers Pittsburgh's fourth line. Cullen is pointless in his last four games but has nine points (3G, 6A) in 16 games.

Cullen recorded a first-period goal -- the eventual game-winner -- against the Ducks on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Cullen is quietly having a solid start offensively with three goals and five assists through the first 10 game of the season. However, with the Penguins close to being back at full health, Cullen projects to return to more of a defensive role, which should cut into his production going forward. Plus, the 39-year-old veteran has just 16 shots on net this year.

Cullen scored his first goal of the season and added a power-play assist Monday against Colorado.

EDGE Analysis

He's given the Pens some stability up the middle while coach Mike Sullivan has mixed and matched his linemates. It doesn't seem to matter who Cullen plays with, however, as the 39-year-old has taken on an even more important role with Sidney Crosby (concussion) sidelined. Cullen won 63 percent of his faceoffs, including 4-of-5 in the offensive zone.

Cullen took Sidney Crosby's even-strength lineup spot and centered Conor Sheary and Patric Hornqvist during Monday practice, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cullen moved up from his typical fourth-line role. The team will likely wait to get a sense of how long it might miss Crosby before making any long term plans, but Cullen offers plenty of hockey value as a strong faceoff man. It remain's to be seen how much fantasy value the 39-year-old offers, but he did score 16 goals and 32 points in while playing all 82 games in 2015-16.