Scouting Report on Cullen Potter | 2025 NHL Draft
Throughout the 2024-2025 season, TSLH Prospects will be sharing scouting reports, rankings, and profiles of prospects eligible to the 2025 NHL Draft. Continuing our work of the past five years, our analysts will provide insights on numerous prospects to give you a comprehensive overview of the draft class and their progress. Today, the spotlight is on Cullen Potter, an American forward.
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Scouting report for the 2025 NHL Draft : Cullen Potter
Cullen Potter would have been truly exciting to watch with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP) this season. After a dominant offensive performance last year, he amassed 46 points, including 17 goals, in 54 regular-season games, the highest on the team. Despite this, the 5-foot-9, 161-pound prospect has decided not to continue down that path.
Instead, the left winger will head to Arizona State University in the NCAA to regularly face higher-quality opponents than those in the USNTDP. This decision may seem surprising given Cullen Potter’s stature, but personally, I believe it to be a wise choice.
Strictly from a hockey perspective, compared to his peers in the USHL, he demonstrated well-above-average effectiveness in all three zones. Another year playing on a more talented team than most in the USHL, with occasional international and NCAA appearances, seems less beneficial than playing full-time in the NCAA.
The unpredictable Cullen Potter
I hold Cullen Potter in high regard for the 2025 NHL Draft. From my observations last season, he was the standout player in almost every game of the USNTDP. His style is transferrable to the NHL despite minor setbacks such as his size and penchant for finesse.
Indeed, he often indulges in flashy plays during one-on-one confrontations. However, his success rate is quite high. To stand out, the lefty combines directional changes and speed with head and shoulder movements. Moreover, he can outpace opponents from the outside due to his powerful strides and acceleration.
To generate offense, Cullen Potter is as deceptive as he is in one-on-one situations. Whether with a saucer, a screened shot, or a play while looking the other way, he has numerous strategies to deceive opposing defenses. His actions are executed at high speed without compromising precision, making him an extremely difficult forward to contain.
Reliable in All Three Zones
Cullen Potter’s efficiency over 200 feet, as mentioned earlier, is greatly aided by elite mobility and agility. However, what truly elevates his game is his anticipation ability, both with and without the puck. His decision-making is excellent in all situations.
Despite all the finesse, he does not hurt his teams in terms of gameplay progression and driving towards the net. His puck touches are sharp and precise in transition, and if options are limited, he won’t force the play. If there’s a turnover, he is quick to backcheck.
His defensive game is also a strength, as he’s committed to blocking shots, disrupting passing lanes, and retrieving pucks. His physical strength may limit him throughout his career, but I like his chances due to his intensity, work ethic, and skating stability. Moreover, maturity should benefit him greatly, especially if he gains a few inches in height.
Ranking for the 2025 NHL Draft
For the 2025 NHL Draft, Cullen Potter has the potential to be a first-round selection, possibly within the top 20. Much will depend on his performance at Arizona State University. His role within the lineup and usage on special teams will be crucial.
If he translates his offensive skills to this level, contributes on special teams, and refines his one-on-one approach, I expect to see him highly ranked by analysts. Next Wednesday, my preliminary top 32 for the 2025 NHL Draft will demonstrate how much I believe in this prospect. We’ll see throughout the season if my prediction holds true.
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