As the 2025 NHL Draft reached its 32nd and final pick of the first round, it looked like Arizona State forward Cullen Potter would have to wait until Day 2 to hear his name.
The 18-year-old, projected to land anywhere from pick No. 20 to the end of the first round, ended up hearing it just in time — announced by Calgary Flames legend Lanny McDonald, who captained the organization to its first Stanley Cup title. With the final pick of the opening round, the Flames selected Potter at pick No. 32.
The dream of a lifetime 🥹 pic.twitter.com/TORk05rAUr
— Sun Devil Hockey (@SunDevilHockey) June 28, 2025
It’s a momentous occasion for Sun Devil hockey, which has seen many firsts as of late. The program that plays in the recently built 5,000-seat Mullett Arena competed in its first season in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) this past year. And now, Potter, who announced he’ll return for his sophomore season, earns the distinction of being the first player in program history to be selected in the first round.
“Them taking a chance on me and believing in me, I think it paid off for me and them too,” Potter said on what ASU has provided him with. “I had a great year and can’t wait to go back next year.”
The 5-foot-10, 172-pound center potted 22 points in 35 games for Arizona State in his freshman campaign, landing him NCHC 2024-25 All-Rookie Team honors. Potter becomes the seventh Sun Devil to be drafted while attending ASU. The Maroon and Gold have had another six skaters transfer to the program after being drafted.
Buffalo Sabres forward Josh Doan and Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord are the only two former Sun Devils currently playing in the NHL. While Arizona State head coach Greg Powers’ program continues to grow, he’s also been a mentor to skaters off the ice.
“Some of those guys are 24-25 years old, and I’m 17. Talking and having a relationship with him has helped me grow as a person and a human being,” Potter said of Powers. “Having that staff at Arizona State, it’s been great.”
Coming off an NCHC Quarterfinals series sweep over the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at home, ASU hockey looks to take another step forward next season by competing for an NCHC title, as well as breaking its six-year drought from the NCAA Tournament.
“Just using my speed effectively in both zones, defensively and offensively, and putting on some more muscle to get stronger,” Potter said on what he wants to improve in the offseason. “I want to play in the NHL someday, so being able to go against those guys that are 6-foot-3, 6-foot-4 that are super strong too.”
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