Flames 2025 Draft profile: Cullen Potter

Of course, Potter comes from a strong athletic background. His mother, Jenny Potter, is one of the most well-known women’s hockey players, having played for Team USA in the Olympics where she won a gold medal.

There’s no doubt from scouts and insiders that the Flames have drafted quite a player. Potter was seen as one of the best skaters in this year’s draft class, combining elite speed and edgework that has been described as already being NHL-ready. While undersized, all the Flames see in this player is pure offensive skill, and for him to potentially become a prominent part of the team’s future.

Potter and his role with the Flames

The Flames are truly building something when it comes to the future of their forward core. Potter has played both as a centre and as a winger, but the Flames have indicated that they plan on developing Potter exclusively as a centre.

Centre depth has truly been an issue in the Flames’ organization. Potter having versatility when it comes to his position gives the team some more options. Additionally, the Flames also drafted Cole Reschny, who is a natural centre. For Potter, his NHL projections suggest that his ceiling can be high. Scouts have indicated that he has the potential to become a first-line scoring winger or a top-six centre.

Potter will still take a couple of years before he makes the transition to the NHL. He’ll need to put on some weight to make up for being undersized at 5’10”, to truly enhance his physique and strength for the conditions of pro hockey. The Flames are better off taking it slow to ensure they don’t rush Potter in too quickly. With that being said, don’t be surprised if Potter does make the jump to the NHL quicker than many expect him to. He skates like the wind and possesses strong puck skills combined with an admirable compete level. In short, Potter fits right into the culture and philosophy that the Flames are trying to instill into their young players.

How this player fits into the Flames’ core

Given his potential and raw skill set, Potter can very well be a prominent player for the Flames’ future. If he develops as a centre, it would be huge for Calgary’s future down the middle. If he turns into more of a winger, he could be one of the more premium offensive options the Flames have in their top-six

On the flip side, the Flames’ prospect pools are overflowing with wingers. It’s also important to note that the team is currently experiencing a long jam on the wing. It’s a given that the Flames will have to make some trades, especially if the wingers in their system pan out.

As for Potter, he’ll continue to play for Arizona State next season, and he’ll likely get some action at the World Junior Championships as well. He’ll likely follow a similar development path to Matt Coronato’s, progressing from college to the AHL to the NHL. Potter is a prospect Flames fans should be very excited about, as he can develop into a good storyline in the future as a draft steal by the team.