2025–26 Team: U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP)
Date of Birth: Sept. 8, 2008
Place of Birth: Moorhead, MN, USA
Height: 6-feet, Weight: 172 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Left Wing
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2026 first-year eligible
Rankings
Wyatt Cullen has been one of the bigger risers for the 2026 NHL Draft. His sample size for the 2025–26 season was partially limited due to injury, but he showcased a dynamic play style and led the way for the NTDP offensively. Ranked as a top-30 prospect by many outlets, what makes him special?
Related: THW’s 2026 NHL Draft Guide
With six goals and 10 assists in 15 games, Cullen ranked first among NTDP players in points per game at the United States Hockey League (USHL) level. Furthermore, he recorded 2.73 shots on goal per game, which was the third-best rate on the team behind Jamie Glance and Sammy Nelson. Finally, while plus/minus is generally a poor statistic for measuring on-ice impact, he had a plus-3 rating.
The NTDP includes international, college, and other games in their players’ stats, so let’s dive into those. Cullen had 12 goals and 21 assists for 33 points in 33 contests. He was the only point-per-game player on the team, and he averaged 2.39 shots on goal per game with a plus-3 rating.
Now, for the eye test. This season’s iteration of the NTDP wasn’t great, but their games were worth watching when Cullen suited up. He is an elite offensive driver and plays at a high-end pace, using his outstanding skating ability to navigate the ice. He circles the offensive zone with ease—even at 5-on-5.
Adding to his impressive skating, Cullen is an excellent creator due to his creativity, deceptiveness, and vision. He has a deep bag of tricks, making him a constant scoring threat. In addition, he sees the ice very well, locating the highest-danger scoring option in an instant. At least against USHL competition, he mastered the art of deception, too.
Continuing with his offensive bag, Cullen has a powerful shot. He’s capable of scoring from tougher angles, so he’s difficult for defenses to contain. A strong passer, shooter, and skater, players with this amount of skill are rare finds at the NHL Entry Draft.
Nasty shot from Wyatt Cullen here pic.twitter.com/yqbLN446WM
— Justin Giampietro (@justingiam) April 2, 2026
Cullen isn’t the cherry-picking type, either. If transitioning the puck from defense to offense isn’t on the table, he can hunker down defensively and support. When he gets the puck in a non-offensive situation, he’s willing to make the “right” play and not force anything too risky, even if he can be classified as a gambler.
For Cullen to be a dependable NHL player, coaches will likely want him to be versatile. In a lot of ways, he already is, showcasing two-way engagement and not shying away from the boards. He can be pushed off pucks, but he rarely puts himself in situations where that’s viable for the defense.
Overall, Cullen is one of the most skilled players in the class. The University of Minnesota commit has soared up the rankings after receiving a “C” grade on NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary players to watch list. A Day 1 pick is a legitimate possibility.
Other THW Draft Profiles
Wyatt Cullen – NHL Draft Projection
After undergoing a growth spurt (listed 5-foot-8, 146 pounds last season), Cullen might have the inside track to be a first-round pick. Expect him to be selected in the 20s or 30s, but there may be a team ambitious enough to snag him sooner. His father, longtime NHLer Matt Cullen, was drafted 35th overall in 1996—bragging rights are at stake.
Quotables
“There’s a reason he ended up as our highest-ranked NTDP player on our most recent 2026 NHL Draft ranking, 12 slots ahead of his next-closest teammate. With top-15 skill, a relentless motor, high-end skating, on-puck versatility, a recent growth spurt, and nearly eligible for next year’s draft, the arguments in favour of Cullen’s trajectory and odds keep on accumulating.” – Sebastian High, Elite Prospects
“Of all the players currently outside of the top 20, Cullen will be the most fun to track to see if he can maintain healthy status through the World U18’s. As always, NHL bloodlines instantly add value, especially someone whose father (Matt Cullen) played over 1,500 NHL games.” – Sam Conentino, Sportsnet
“His speed sets the tone as he pushes the pace and looks to get in behind defenders. He has excellent hands and works the puck around the offensive zone efficiently. He’s one of the team’s most consistent players night in and night out.” – Tony Ferrari, The Hockey News
Strengths
- One of the most dynamic players in the class
- High-end skating ability
- Creativity
- Deceptiveness
- Vision
- Playmaking
- Shot power
- Play-driving and puck-carrying
Under Construction – Improvements to Make
- Strength
- He’s learning to perfect the craft, but there’s still room for improvement as a gambler
- Has a boom-or-bust-type skill set
- Only played 33 games—limited sample size
NHL Potential
You may have heard of Wyatt’s brother, Joey, who is currently projected to be a top pick in 2028. The former isn’t as good a prospect, but the upside is real. He can be a top-six forward in the NHL if things go well.
Risk – 4/5, Reward – 4.5/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offense – 8.5/10, Defense – 4/10
Interviews/Links
Wyatt Cullen Stats
Videos
Wyatt Cullen does it again! 🚨🚨@USAHockeyNTDP | @usahockey pic.twitter.com/IT86aWjScX
— USHL (@USHL) January 16, 2026
