Pens Points: Cullen Is an Effective Depth Signing

GM Jim Rutherford knew he needed to add one more piece to his bottom 6, and he signed 38-year-old Matt Cullen for 1 year, $800K.He comes to Pittsburgh to chase his last shot at another Cup. [Bombulie]

Cullen will be a great depth addition and will contribute significantly in the faceoff circle. How much will it slow down the development of the younger player is a question mark. [Empty Netters]

This is another in a series of analytically savvy signings, argues Ryan Wilson, and it's hard to disagree. Our bottom 6 is no longer a tire fire, but actually a very decent group of players. [Hockey Buzz]

Having 5 centers on one-way deal is not a problem for Rutherford, given Cullen's and Fehr's versatility in being able to play both center and wing. [Trib]

Sidney Crosby and Nate MacKinnon donated their Hockey Canada checks from winning the World Championships to their hometown Cole Harbour, NS, to benefit youth hockey development. [NHL]

LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi was named GM of the US World Cup team. He delivered a very patriotic speech on that occasion, and the only things missing were a few bald eagles perched on his shoulders. Let's try and win this thing. [The Score]

I ended up not doing PP yesterday because I got stuck deciding what to do about this. We don't have details and it's all shrouded in speculation, but I'll say this: if someone told you a Blackhawks player was somehow involved with the police, you'd have no problems guessing who, and that's not a good thing. [Chicago Tribune]

Interesting question on whether Connor McDavid should be jumping over Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in getting the Oilers' two best wingers, Hall and Eberle. [Edmonton Journal]

Gary Bettman thinks that outdoor games in the NHL are far from overdone. There are still so many teams lobbying hard to get to play in or host such a game. I mostly remember being incredibly cold the whole time. [The Score]

I found this article slightly odd, but here goes. Five NHL coaches whose jobs are on the line, and Mike Johnston is one of them. Agree? Discuss. [SportsNet]

Pens TV caught up with Sid at his camp in Nova Scotia. An exhaustive Q&A and a good video shows the captain relaxed and ready for the new season. [Penguins.com]

Bob Pompeani also caught up with Sid, who was asked to reflect on his 10 years in the league and any changes he's make to increase scoring. Sid said he'd make goalies' equipment smaller in a heartbeat. Flower will be mad. Mad Flower ties people to chairs, Sid. [CBS Pittsburgh]

Happy birthday, Sid! Can't believe he's 28 years old. I should make one of these today!