Cullen on the block, headed to Carolina?

According to both John Dellapina of the New York Daily News and The News & Observer’s Luke DeCock, the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes are discussing a trade involving forward Matt Cullen.

The Rangers are said to be shopping Cullen as part of a salary cap saving measure to pursue other roster moves. By moving Cullen and his three-year contract, the team from the Big Apple would gain $2.875 million per season in cap space.

When asked about his situation with the Rangers and a possible return to Carolina, Cullen was unsure about his future.

“It’s hard to say, to be totally honest,” Cullen said. “We’ve made some huge additions, and with the cap, it’s hard to do everything that you want. It’s hard for me to even know or have any idea of what could or may happen.”

Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford would not offer any comment on the rumors regarding Cullen, but he has admitted to seeking a third-line center.

While Cullen’s $2.8 million salary is more than the Hurricanes would be willing to pay, owner Peter Karmanos told DeCock that “he’d go over his $44 million budget if the right player came along.”

As for who may end up going to the Rangers, forward Trevor Letowski (one year left at $800,000) and defenseman Anton Babchuk (restricted free agent) are two possibilities.