One of the interesting points of Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford's press conference Tuesday was his frank assessment of Matt Cullen's condition as he attempts to recover from his concussion issues last season.
Justin Williams and Rod Brind'Amour have clean bills of health, but Cullen continues to have issues with his vision, among other problems.
"The one player that's not totally 100 percent but is getting pretty close is Matt Cullen," Rutherford said. "We continue to watch that but with a couple of months left here he should be fine by the start of the season."
I gave Cullen a call to check in (and ask about the Cole trade). He said he's seeing improvement and intends to be at full strength long before training camp starts.
“I’m doing pretty good,” Cullen said. “I was out in Raleigh a week ago seeing some of the people I saw during the season — the vision specialist and (Kevin) Guskiewicz, the concussion specialist. They’re pretty happy with the progress I’m making. I’ve been on the ice a few times and I’m feeling confident I’ll be ready to go and I’ll be 100 percent.”
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at (919) 829-8947, @LukeDeCock on Twitter or
Comments
concerned
Wed, 07/02/2008 - 13:54 — Nico37I am very concerned about Cullen.
cullen on cole
Wed, 07/02/2008 - 09:53 — ldecock (author)is in today's paper.
Glad to hear Cully's coming around
Wed, 07/02/2008 - 09:05 — secret_samadhiHe's a vital part of this team and I hope he makes it all the way back.
Luke, you mentioned that you called to check in and ask about the Cole trade. Did Cullen have anything to say about that?
BTW - keep up the great coverage!