Flames draft Potter to close out 1st round
The Calgary Flames selected Arizona State forward Cullen Potter with the 32nd overall pick in Friday's NHL draft.
Potter notched 13 goals and 22 points in 35 games this season.
He added four goals and eight points with Team USA at the Under-18s.
Potter was one of three Under-18 skaters to play in the NCAA this season, leading that group in goals and points. Rather than chase gaudy totals in the USHL, he opted to suit up against tougher competition by jumping to college.
The Wisconsin native played down the middle for Arizona State, but his lighter frame and skill set suggest he might be better suited on the wing long term. Potter is a high-end skater, and his speed is easily his most attractive skill. He's shown flashes of exciting puck skills and playmaking, but learning to change tempo and better utilize his speed will be key to unlocking his full potential.
Potter's mother, Jenny, starred with Team USA from 1998-2012. She's the all-time scoring leader at the Olympics among Americans.