News Summary
Cullen Potter, a talented freshman at Arizona State University, has achieved a historic milestone by being selected as the first player from ASU in the first round of the NHL Draft. Chosen by the Calgary Flames with the 32nd overall pick, Potter’s exceptional performance at ASU and with the U.S. National U18 Team highlights his immense potential in professional hockey. This selection not only showcases his skills but also signals a growing prominence for ASU’s hockey program on the national stage, inspiring future athletes to follow in his footsteps.
Tempe, Arizona – Cullen Potter, a standout freshman at Arizona State University, made history as he became the first player from the university to be selected in the first round of the NHL Draft. The Calgary Flames chose Potter with the 32nd overall pick during the 2025 NHL Draft, showcasing significant progress for the Sun Devils’ hockey program.
This remarkable achievement comes after an impressive season for Potter, who scored a total of 35 points, consisting of 13 goals and 22 assists, across 25 games. At only 17 years old, he was the second youngest player in college hockey at the time of his draft, further highlighting his exceptional talent and potential.
Cullen Potter was among a distinguished group of six American players drafted in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft. His speed and skating ability have set him apart, evidenced by his performance for the U.S. National U18 Team, where he scored four goals in just nine games during the 2024-25 season. Adding to his accolades, Potter also brought home a bronze medal for Team USA at the 2025 U18 Men’s World Championship, underscoring his contributions on the international stage.
The Calgary Flames, who completed the 2024-25 season with a record of 41 wins, 27 losses, and 14 overtime losses but missed out on playoff contention, have not drafted an NCAA player since selecting Yan Kuznetzov in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft. Prior to Potter’s selection, the highest any ASU hockey player had been drafted was 37th overall, with Josh Doan in the 2021 NHL Draft.
Looking ahead, Cullen Potter is expected to return to Arizona State for his sophomore season unless the Flames opt to call him up to their minor league affiliate or even directly to the NHL. This decision will ultimately rest with the management of the Calgary Flames, who will evaluate Potter’s readiness for professional hockey during the upcoming preseason.
Potter’s connection to hockey excellence runs in the family. His mother, Jenny, is a four-time Team USA Olympian and a gold medalist in ice hockey, recognized for her contributions to the sport with an induction into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum. This legacy of success has undoubtedly influenced Cullen’s own pursuit of excellence in the game.
With his first-round selection, Cullen Potter joins an elite group of Sun Devil athletes who have been first-round picks in various professional sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and WNBA. His selection marks not only a personal milestone but also highlights the growing prominence of Arizona State University’s hockey program on the national stage, paving the way for future athletes aspiring to achieve similar success.
In conclusion, Cullen Potter’s historical selection by the Calgary Flames signifies a new chapter for both him and Arizona State University, as he aims to prove his skills and value in the competitive world of professional hockey.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Central
- Wikipedia
- Verde News
- Google Search: Cullen Potter
- Devils in Detail
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hockey
- USCHO
- Google News: NHL Draft 2025
