Cullen Potter (C, L, 5’10”, 170, Arizona State, 01/10/2007, Arizona State)
Cullen Potter is a dynamic, high-compete center with elite skating tools and a strong foundation of offensive instincts. While undersized and still developing physically, Potter has impressed in his true freshman season at Arizona State with his shift-to-shift pace, puck pursuit, and ability to generate chances in transition. His raw tools—led by explosive acceleration, strong edgework, and relentless motor—are legitimate NHL-level traits, but his production and decision-making haven’t consistently matched the chances he creates. His projection depends on whether he can evolve from a straight-line threat into a complete, impactful offensive driver.
Why Cullen Potter Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
- Elite Skating Ability Drives His Game
Potter is one of the best pure skaters in the 2025 draft class. He generates separation with ease and can both blow past defenders wide or use his edge control to cut inside. He keeps his feet moving in all three zones, giving him utility on both forecheck and backcheck. His 3.0 Grade “A” scoring chances per game and 1.97 loose puck recoveries after shots are direct byproducts of this elite mobility and puck pursuit. - Competes Hard Shift-to-Shift
He’s not just speed. Potter brings effort, grit, and competitiveness, which shows up in his 12 puck battles per game (49% win rate) and 3.8 takeaways. His ability to create chaos on the forecheck and track back defensively gives him value even when he’s not scoring. He has also begun to develop responsible habits off the puck, as his defensive zone reads and off-puck support have continued to improve through the season. - Age-Relative Performance and Minutes in NCAA
Potter is one of the youngest players in NCAA hockey, yet he’s averaging nearly 19 minutes per game, is used on the power play, and ranks sixth on team in scoring (13G, 22PTS in 35 GP). He is already trusted to drive a line and play important minutes, a testament to both his motor and his hockey sense. - Projects as a Utility Forward With Upside
While his offensive tools are still developing, Potter’s speed, motor, and potential as a penalty killing machine profile well into a future bottom-six energy center or wing. With continued improvement in puck decisions and strength, he could evolve into a versatile two-way middle-six forward who kills penalties, draws calls, and chips in offense.
Why Cullen Potter Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
- Underwhelming Offensive Efficiency
Despite generating chances, Potter struggles to finish. His 8% conversion rate on Grade “A” chances is well below average, and he too often misses the net (1.59 misses/game) or has shots blocked (1.29/game), especially on odd-man rushes. His current offensive value is driven more by volume than efficiency. For a player receiving top-six minutes and power play time, his 22 points (13G, 9A) is modest. - Puck Management and Decision-Making Need Work
Potter’s 6 giveaways per game is among the highest in his peer group and is a red flag considering he completes only 84% of his passes. Many of his turnovers are a result of trying to do too much, skating into pressure, or forcing lateral plays into coverage. His 1.03 passes per game that lead to Grade “A” teammate chances is solid but suggests he’s not yet elevating linemates the way top NHL center prospects often do. - Lack of Strength is Still an Issue
Potter’s 43% face-off win rate, low penalty-drawing rate (0.26/game), and the 1.10 hard hits he absorbs per game tells us he’s still developing overall body strength, and being on the receiving end of that many hard hits per-game tells us he has not learned to change pace and is unfortunately very predictable. He plays fearlessly, but until he gets stronger, he will continue to lose physical battles, especially at the NHL level. - Inconsistent Impact Shift-to-Shift
Though his energy is generally good, Potter still disappears for stretches, particularly when his speed is neutralized or teams clog the middle. When not using his wheels effectively, he doesn’t yet have the deceptive passing or elite stick skill to produce in tight space. He needs to improve his ability to impact the game without relying solely on open ice.
Projection and Final Verdict
Draft Range: 3rd Round
NHL Projection: Bottom-six two-way center/wing with energy, speed, and transition value
Comparable: Tyson Jost
Summary:
Cullen Potter has NHL feet—especially in the straight line speed department—and he’s already making an impact at a high level in NCAA hockey. His speed, compete level, and tenacity are building blocks, but his finishing touch, puck decisions, and physical development are currently limiting factors. If he continues on his current path, with improved shot deception and more efficient offensive play, he could become a utility NHL forward with penalty kill and matchup-line value. At worst, he’s a hard-working AHL contributor who pushes for call-ups based on pace and energy.
We feel he is worth targeting in the mid 3rd to early 4th round for teams with patience and development infrastructure. High motor, high floor, and the type of player who could turn into a coach’s favorite at the pro level.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images