Cullen McCrate (D, R, 6’1″, 195, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 04/18/2007, Michigan State)
Cullen McCrate is a physically engaged, stay-at-home right-shot defenseman who plays a simple, hard-nosed game. After a difficult start to the season with Dubuque (13 GP, 0 points, -6), McCrate found more stability in Fargo’s system, where he played 34 games and recorded 5 points with a much-improved -2 rating while embracing a physical shutdown role. In his rookie USHL season he lacked puck-moving poise and an offensive skill, he did offer a high-compete, physically assertive presence in his own zone and along the walls. He plays a low-event style with a clear emphasis on physicality, shot blocking, and containment.
Statistical Snapshot (2024–25):
GP G A P PIM +/- TOI SHT Hits Puck Battles Won Pass % Shot Blocks
47 2 3 5 51 -8 13:01 1:09 1.26 60% on 8 attempts 84% 1.00/game
Reasons to Draft:
High-End Physicality: McCrate’s physical commitment stands out. He leads his team with 1.26 hits per game, wins 60% of puck battles, and blocks 1 shot per game. He doesn’t shy away from contact and consistently finishes his checks with purpose.
Defensive Engagement: Strong presence in net-front and board play. Shows willingness to absorb hits to make plays and thrives in penalty-kill scenarios (1:09 SHT per game), where his strengths—stick positioning, body leverage, and puck clearing—are maximized.
Hard to Play Against: McCrate is the type of defender who brings edge and discomfort to opposing forwards. He plays with intensity and defends with urgency in the defensive zone. His puck retrieval rate (6 per game) reflects strong anticipation and second-effort effort level.
Late-Season Growth: His transition to Fargo was a step forward in his game. He became more reliable, disciplined in positioning, and slightly more offensively productive, showing he can adapt and grow in the right system.
Reasons Not to Draft:
Limited Puck Skill: Passing accuracy (84%) and pre-shot passing (0.26/game) are below league average for NHL draft-eligible defensemen. He does not project as a puck mover, and his reads under pressure with the puck are still developing.
Minimal Offensive Upside: McCrate totaled just 5 points in 47 games and generated very few scoring chances (0.09 SC/game). He rarely joins the rush or activates from the point and offers little value on the power play (0:04 PPT per game).
Average Skating and Mobility: He can get caught flat-footed defending speed and is limited in his ability to recover position when beat laterally. His mobility is a concern when projecting to higher-paced levels like the National League or professional hockey.
Projection:
McCrate projects as a depth, stay-at-home defenseman at the NCAA level who may grow into a physical penalty killer and bottom-pairing role if his puck decisions and footspeed continue to improve. He’s not a puck mover and doesn’t drive offense, but he plays hard, defends with an edge, and could offer value in shutdown minutes.
Draft Recommendation:
Priority follow-up for NCAA Free Agent Watch.
McCrate lacks the offensive ceiling and transitional ability required for a draft pick, but his competitiveness, physical maturity, and shutdown potential are worth tracking through the NCAA. At Michigan State he could become a late-blooming candidate for a pro contract based on his physical tools, tenacity and defensive reliability.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images