BluChip Potential: How Cullen Potter is Fast-Tracking His Hockey Stardom

When Arizona State coach Greg Powers recruited Cullen Potter, a 17-year-old freshman, he figured it might take a while for the young forward to find his groove in Division I men’s hockey. Turns out, “a while” lasted less than a semester.

“We thought he’d need until Thanksgiving to adjust to the nuances of the college game, but he’s already there,” Powers said, flashing a grin just before the Sun Devils pulled off their first road sweep in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference against defending NCAA champion Denver in mid-November.

It was a turning point for both Potter and the team. The Sun Devils closed the first half of their season strong, thanks in no small part to Potter’s contributions. The son of U.S. Olympian Jenny Potter and longtime coach Rob Potter, Cullen showed his hockey pedigree with a standout stretch, tallying three of his eight points (two goals, one assist) over the final four games before the holiday break. His efforts helped Arizona State notch a home sweep of Minnesota-Duluth, propelling the team to an 8-7-1 record and a comfortable third-place spot in the conference standings.

Potter’s secret weapon? World-class speed. But it’s not just his pace that has opponents scrambling; it’s his ability to change gears in an instant.

“He competes so hard off the puck and works just as hard to win it back,” Powers said. “He’s got a competitive spirit that’s off the charts. We knew he had potential, but what’s impressed us is how coachable he is. He’s already stepping up as the guy who can score big goals in crucial moments.”

It’s not hard to see where that drive comes from. Potter began skating at the tender age of one, honing his skills under the watchful eyes of his parents. Now, he spends extra time before and after practice fine-tuning his shot, speed, and skating technique.

“Growing up, I practiced with my parents all the time,” Potter said. “They instilled in me this constant desire to work on something. Speed is such a huge part of today’s game, especially in the NHL, which is where I’m aiming to play next.”

Potter’s decision to leave the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP) early and jump into NCAA hockey was bold. Only two other draft-eligible players have made similar moves: Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Noah Hanifin (Vegas Golden Knights), both first-round NHL draft picks in 2015. While those two were more physically imposing at 17, Potter’s knack for using his body and quickness effectively against older, stronger players has put him in a league of his own. NHL Central Scouting currently projects the 5-foot-10, 172-pound forward as a first-round pick in the 2025 draft.

“The USNTDP was amazing and taught me so much,” Potter said. “When you’re younger, it’s easy to succeed without working as hard, but that program pushes you to elevate your effort both on and off the ice. It’s all about hard work and perseverance, and that’s helped me prepare for college hockey.”

Potter’s journey to Arizona State came with a twist: he de-committed from Michigan State to play for the Sun Devils, drawn by the opportunity to hit the ice right away as their only freshman forward.

“He saw what we were building here and realized it was a great fit for his development,” Powers said. “We had room on the roster for him to make an immediate impact, and he’s done exactly that. He’ll be a strong candidate for the world junior championships next season.”

Potter’s current season features some exciting matchups, including two exhibition games against the USA U18 team at Mullett Arena and the Desert Hockey Classic in January, where Arizona State will face Cornell, Massachusetts, and Robert Morris. But for Potter, it’s not just about the games on the schedule; it’s about making the most of his draft year.

“This program has everything I need—amazing coaches, top-notch facilities, and the weather doesn’t hurt either,” Potter joked. “It’s been the perfect decision for me.”

With his talent, drive, and adaptability, Potter’s future in hockey looks as bright as the Arizona sunshine. Whether he’s setting up a game-winning goal or logging extra time in the weight room, Potter is proving that he’s not just growing up quickly at Arizona State—he’s skating full-speed toward a stellar career.