Over the course of the past year, 32nd overall selection Cullen Potter has developed a pretty specific reputation within drafting and scouting circles.

And when asked about Potter, his new boss, Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy, doesn’t hesitate with his answer.

“Like the speed alone is just, he’s fast, fast, quick, electric,” said Conroy. “He’s got high hockey sense. You know, to be this young playing in college hockey, it’s not easy. And you know, you think, you know, there were times even when, when he’s that fast, if the D could have hit him, especially at the U18s, breakaway.”

Simply put, Potter is one of the fastest skaters in the draft. To the point where it’s usually one of the first things mentioned about him.

But there’s something else that’s pretty impressive. Potter spent the 2024-25 season in the NCAA, turning 18 in January of his freshman year. He was the youngest player on his team by three years, and playing in an NCAA environment where a lot of players don’t go into college until they’re older. In other words, as Conroy pointed out, Potter could be five or six years younger than the players he was playing against.

“It’d be like stepping into the American League right away,” said Conroy. “You know, you’re playing against men. And that’s what I think is so impressive for him. And to see him play with the U18s, I thought he was noticeable every shift. And it was speed that caught my attention.”

Only two players in the entire NCAA were younger than Potter in 2024-25 – fellow first-rounders William Horcoff and Sascha Boumedienne.

Speaking with the media virtually after being selected, Potter discussed his first year in college hockey.

“Yeah, I think the biggest thing for my decision was just going to college hockey to be able to play in the NHL someday, taking that next step in my development,” said Potter. “So just going there and maturing with older guys,some of the guys are 24, 25, and I’m 17. So being able to talk to guys that old and learn from them, I learned a lot. So, just helping me grow as a player and as a person, I had a lot of fun there and looking to go back next year.”

Potter played a mix of centre and left wing in 2024-25 with the Sun Devils, and lined up primarily at centre for Team USA at the Under-18 Worlds. Asked if he sees himself as a centre or a winger, his answer steered towards the middle of the ice.

“I think I can play anywhere,” said Potter. “But I think just with my speed and skill, I’m the best down the middle, I can accomplish the most. So, keep developing, defensive zone and offensive zone and getting stronger and everything like that. I think I’m most effective through down the middle.”