Cullen Potter – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Potter is a smaller guy, standing at just 5-foot-9, but his exceptional skating and ability to create dangerous chances off the rush set him apart in this year’s draft class. His speed, agility, and edgework make him a threat in transition. That speed and shiftiness, combined with his elite puck-handling skills, keep defenders on their heels and make it difficult to keep up with him. He is a play driver, and off the rush, whether he uses his skillset to drive toward the net, stickhandle through defenders, or stop and make a play, if he goes unchecked for even a second, he will make you pay. 

While Potter’s defensive game isn’t anything to write home about and sometimes his decision-making can lead to turnovers, he’s still very reliable in all three zones. Not only is his skating dangerous on the rush, but he also uses his speed to back-check and disrupt the opposition’s offensive attack. Many scouts believe Potter is the best-skating forward and one of the fastest in this year’s draft class. His offensive IQ, exceptional skating, and elite hands make him an extremely dangerous player that any NHL team would love to add. 

Other THW Draft Profiles 

Cullen Potter – NHL Draft Projection

As an undersized winger who is still working on his decision-making and learning when not to try and do too much individually, Potter cracking the top 10 is a stretch. That being said, with the talent and innate skill he possesses, there’s no doubt that he will be taken at some point in the first round, and there’s a good chance he is selected a bit earlier than most people think. Somewhere between 12 and 20 makes sense. 

Quotables

“Best-skating forward in this age group by a margin, Potter is a small but talented and extremely fast player who uses his electric speed to put defenders on their heels, back them off, create opportunistic chances, get out in transition, and jump onto loose pucks.” – Scott Wheeler, (from ‘2025 NHL Draft prospects,’ The Athletic, March 25, 2025)

“Consistency has been a bit of an issue for Potter – but when ASU is thriving, Potter typically is too. He’s playing around 20 minutes a night as of late, and scouts have been impressed with his play-driving abilities. He’s 5-foot-9, but his pure skill and ability to make things happen with the puck should keep him high in the draft conversation.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff 

“A well-rounded, competitive center who brings energy, pace, and responsible play in all three zones. He’s a strong skater with excellent crossover acceleration, which allows him to generate separation in transition and stay tight to attackers on the backcheck.” – Josh Tessler, SMAHT Scouting

Strengths

Under Construction/Improvements to Make 

NHL Potential

There have been multiple success stories of undersized wingers in the NHL, from Logan Cooley, Johnny Gaudreau, Cole Caufield, Logan Stankoven, and more. There is no reason to believe that Potter won’t follow the same trajectory and become an impactful player at the NHL level. Heading into the 2025 NHL Draft as one of, if not the best skater, and one of the most singularly skilled players in the entire draft class, is enough evidence that he has what it takes to play in the NHL, and play at a high level. His offensive talent and awareness alone make him a valuable asset to any team, and once his decision-making matures, and he builds up his strength and physicality, he is going to be a force to be reckoned with when he has the puck on his stick. 

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk – 2.5/5, Reward – 4.7/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense – 9/10, Defense – 4.5/10 

Awards/Achievements 

Cullen Potter Statistics

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