Cullen Sent Down for Playing Time

The Ducks sent struggling second-year center Matt Cullen to Cincinnati of the American Hockey League on Wednesday. However, Coach Craig Hartsburg was quick to say the move shouldn’t be mistaken for a demotion.

“We need him to go down there and play and have some success,” Hartsburg said. “We’re trying to do what’s best for the kid. A short stint [in Cincinnati] will help his overall game. He’ll be fine. It’s for his benefit.”

Cullen, playing exclusively on the third and fourth lines, had only one assist in 17 games. He had six goals and 27 points in 61 games as a rookie last season for the Ducks.

But Cullen also spent 18 games in the minors in 1997-98, recording 15 goals and 27 points. He was the most-valuable player of the American Hockey League All-Star game.

“Matt has done some good things for us,” Hartsburg said. “He could have stayed here and played. But for his progression, he needs to go down there. He’ll get to play more. He’ll be a key guy down there. Right now, he’s not getting a chance to grow.

“He’ll be back. He’ll be a better player for us.”

The Ducks also returned center Frank Banham to Cincinnati.

*

Center Travis Green did not play Wednesday against the Detroit Red Wings because of a sprained left knee suffered in Friday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

“He went for a little twirl,” Hartsburg said of Green’s light workout on the ice Wednesday morning.

Green skated with a knee brace, but was still considered questionable to play in Friday’s game against the expansion Nashville Predators.

“We’re hoping he’ll be able to play on the trip,” Hartsburg said.