Cullen Potter of Arizona State University (ASU) has etched his name in the history books by becoming the first Sun Devil hockey player ever selected in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft. The Calgary Flames chose Potter with the 32nd overall pick at the 2025 NHL Draft, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. This selection marks a significant milestone for both Potter and the ASU hockey program, which has been steadily growing since joining the NCAA in 2015.
Potter, born on January 10, 2007, in Hortonville, Wisconsin, showcased his talents as a center and left winger for the Sun Devils during his freshman season. Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 172 pounds, he recorded 13 goals and 9 assists for a total of 22 points in 35 games. His performance placed him fourth in goals and eighth in points for ASU. Potter's journey to the NHL draft also included a stint with the U.S. National Development Team in 2023-24, where he scored 9 goals and 13 assists in 35 games.
Potter's selection not only highlights his individual talent but also signifies the rise of the ASU hockey program on the national stage. Since joining the NCAA, ASU has produced several NHL prospects, including Josh Doan, Joey Daccord, and Ty Murchison. However, Potter distinguishes himself as the first Sun Devil to be drafted after playing a season with the team.
Flames General Manager Craig Conroy expressed his excitement about drafting Potter, emphasizing the young player's impressive skillset. "His speed alone," Conroy said, "He's fast, quick, electric, he's got high hockey sense. To be this young playing in college hockey, it's not easy".
Several hockey analysts and scouts have also lauded Potter's abilities. Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff rated Potter as the No. 17 prospect in the draft, noting that his decision to play college hockey early significantly boosted his draft stock. Ellis highlighted Potter's play-driving abilities, commitment to playing in all three zones, and anticipation skills. Jason Bukala of Sportsnet projected Potter as a middle-six forward in the NHL, praising his explosiveness and playmaking abilities. Corey Pronman of The Athletic emphasized the importance of Potter's decision to pursue a unique college route, highlighting his elite skating and high skill level.
Potter himself expressed his gratitude and excitement after being drafted. "It's been a long journey, ever since I was a kid, but I just put in a lot of work and it's just the beginning of this journey now, so, super happy and speechless," Potter said. He also acknowledged the importance of the ASU coaching staff's confidence in him. "It's been huge having the staff having confidence in me coming in a year early, just being able to trust me," Potter said. "I think it's been huge, and them taking a chance on me, I think it paid off for me and them, too, and I had a great year and can't wait to go back next year".
Adding to his impressive resume, Potter's mother, Jenny Schmidgall-Potter, is a U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer and a four-time Olympian, winning a gold medal in 1998. She also holds the United States record for the most points in the Winter Games. With such strong hockey bloodlines, Cullen Potter is poised to make a significant impact in the NHL.
Cullen Potter's historic draft selection by the Calgary Flames marks a watershed moment for Arizona State University's hockey program. As the first Sun Devil to be drafted in the first round, Potter has set a new standard for the program and inspired future generations of ASU hockey players. His journey from Wisconsin to Tempe and now to Calgary is a testament to his hard work, talent, and the growing prominence of college hockey in the NHL. Furthermore, Potter's selection completes a milestone for ASU, as the university now boasts a first-round pick in each of the five major professional sports leagues.
