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Preds stay busy, sign Cullen: two years, $7 million

Matt Cullen

Matt Cullen #7 of the Minnesota Wild celebrates after scoring a goal against goalie Roberto Luongo #1 of the Vancouver Canucks during the third period in NHL action on March 18, 2013 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (March 17, 2013 - Source: Rich Lam/Getty Images North America)

Heading into free agency, David Poile said his team had money to spend on top-six forwards.

On Friday, he lived up to his word.

Shortly after signing Viktor Stalberg to a four-year, $12 million deal, the Preds inked veteran center Matt Cullen to a two-year, $7 million deal.

Cullen, 36, had an effective 2013 campaign with Minnesota, scoring 27 points in 42 games. He has a ton of playoff experience and won a Stanley Cup with Carolina in 2006, and should provide a similar two-way game to that of Preds center Mike Fisher.

There were a number of suitors for Cullen’s services once it was determined he’d be leaving Minnesota. Detroit was believed to be interested, but went a different direction by agreeing to terms with ex-Florida center Stephen Weiss.