‘He makes everyone better’: Why Wyatt Cullen is flying up 2026 NHL Draft boards

Apr 29, 2026, 09:00 EDTUpdated: Apr 28, 2026, 17:56 EDT

‘He makes everyone better’: Why Wyatt Cullen is flying up 2026 NHL Draft boards

Credit: (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)

When the USA Hockey National Team Development Program kicked off the 2025-26 season on Sept. 12, Wyatt Cullen was watching from the stands.

He wouldn’t get into actual game action until Oct. 30 against the Muskegon Lumberjacks – 48 days later. Then, it was off to Europe to take part in a Five Nations tournament in Sweden. Then, close to two weeks off before a one-off against the University of North Dakota before traveling to Canada to take on the CHL in the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, before yet another two-week break.

Cullen missed significant time after tearing his hip flexor off the bone, forcing him to play catchup. That’s easier said than done with the USNTDP schedule, which can be a bit wonky at times. That meant Cullen started the year deeper down draft rankings, with NHL Central Scouting initially giving him a C-rating – someone projected to go in the fourth or fifth round.

Now? If Cullen isn’t taken on Day 1 in Buffalo in June, it’ll be a total shock.

Cullen was the 24th-ranked prospect on Daily Faceoff’s recent rankings – and he’ll definitely be higher on the next one. He’s been a projected first-round prospect for a while now, with scouts falling in love with his reliable two-way game. The speedy, two-way center has saved his best hockey for major showcase events, which obviously gets scouts excited. That’s been especially true at the U-18 World Championship, where Cullen has easily been one of USA’s top players. He had eight points in four games during the round-robin, while displaying his fair share of highlight-reel moments.

The performance isn’t surprising. From the minute Cullen was back in the lineup on a full-time basis, he was, by all accounts, the best player every single night. He had 34 points in 34 games heading into the tournament, which, given the nature of the USNTDP’s season (with games against college players, USHL teams and various international events), is nothing to sneeze at.

There’s been so much growth in Cullen’s game – literally. He started his junior career with the USNTDP standing at 5-foot-8 and 146 pounds. NHL Central Scouting recently listed him as 6-foot-1 and 176 pounds – five inches and 30 pounds bigger. That’s a huge growth spurt for anyone, let alone an athlete going through the rigors of a hockey season. With that, he’s still learning how to fully bulk up and play to his size. He doesn’t get pushed around anymore, but he’s still trying to really fill into his body.

“There are times where he seems a bit afraid to get into physical battles, but then he’ll blow your mind with an incredible pass or deke,” said one scout. “He’s one of the most dynamic players you’re going to find.”

There aren’t many doubters anymore. Sure, Cullen doesn’t have first-line potential. But he prides himself on playing a reliable, two-way game like his favorite player, Jack Hughes. And, of course, a little bit like his dad, three-time Stanley Cup champion Matt Cullen. Matt was a quick skater – Wyatt is, too.

There’s the obvious connection to his father, but it goes deeper than that. Wyatt’s older brother, Brooks, is a University of Minnesota commit. Joey, meanwhile, will play a big role for the U.S. U-17 team next year. He’s already considered to be one of the top Americans for the 2028 NHL Draft, too. Wyatt’s cousin, Max, was a standout Minnesota high school player and is eligible for the 2027 draft.

That’s one heck of a talent pool.

But first up is Wyatt. His deceptiveness with the puck – both as a shooter and a passer – is remarkable. Cullen is a high-end skater who seemingly found a whole other gear once he got up to speed this year compared to last season. He’s a play-driver with the USNTDP, often creating some of the team’s top opportunities any given night. Cullen is a constant scoring threat because he’s always scanning lanes for passes, but he has the quick footwork and lateral mobility to blow by most opponents and put himself into dangerous areas.

“He’s the best player on the USNTDP almost every game,” said another scout. “When he’s on the ice, they’re more dynamic, more dangerous, and he’s always finding ways to create quality chances. He thinks the game at such a high level, and he makes everyone better.”

Truly, it’s hard to find major flaws in Cullen’s game. Scouts wish he were stronger, but he’s made improvements there over the past six months. The overall game sample size this year wasn’t ideal, but the results were clear – he’s legit. Teams love his speed because he plays with so much pace and forces defenders to make quick, precise decisions with the puck.

Cullen’s board engagement has taken major strides forward this year. Given his added size, he seems to play a much more fearless game style. Cullen still needs to work on his overall physical strength, because he can be pushed around a bit too much. But when that happens, he usually has the footwork required to get back into the fight and attempt to steal the puck back.

As for long-term potential? Cullen is shaping up to be a top-six forward. He might have the pure offensive instincts to be a No. 1 center, but he’d be an absolutely electric No. 2 option. His relentless motor will allow him to play all situations, including on the penalty kill. Cullen makes it his mission to win every single shift, every single night.

Teams love guys with big-game bloodlines. Coaches love centers who are fully committed to the 200-foot game. Fans love players who can pull off mind-blowing moves with ease. You mix it altogether and you’ve got one of the fastest rising prospects in the draft – Wyatt Cullen. The general public might not be hyping him up yet, but he’s absolutely the type of guy that every fanbase wishes they had in a year or two.

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