A first-round NHL draft pick ignites Michigan State's hockey program, bringing electrifying skill and championship aspirations to East Lansing.
The defending Big Ten regular season champions have made one of the best additions you’ll see in the entire timeframe of the 2026 NCAA Transfer Portal.
Their first official landing is a big one in the 2025 first round pick in Cullen Potter.
Potter, a forward coming from the NCHC struggling Arizona State University Sun Devils, will now play his brand of hockey in East Lansing, Michigan.
To an incorrect result, many Minnesota Golden Gopher fans thought it was destiny that Potter would be in maroon and gold, considering his hometown of Minneapolis.
But Adam Nightingale had other thoughts.
The Spartans are coming off of a strong season in the regular season, showcasing an overall record of 26-9-2, but look to correct their postseason flaws, losing to Ohio State in the Big Ten Semifinals while getting heartbroken in the regional final by rival Wisconsin in overtime, leaving them what could’ve been a shot away from a Frozen Four appearance.
In last year’s NHL Draft, Potter was selected 32nd overall by the Calgary Flames. He is listed as a speedy puckhandler who can also take care of business on the defensive end.
The 19-year-old logged two seasons with Arizona State, with 25 goals and 48 points during that time.
Potter has had nice international success as well, ending up over a point per game in the U-18 World Juniors back in the 2024-25 season.
After some heavy MSU departures, things are starting to look on the up with this bright NHL prospect.