ASU's Top Player Cullen Potter Enters Transfer Portal

The loss of the 2025 first-round NHL draft pick is a major blow for the Sun Devils hockey program.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:48pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented hockey scene, with overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic movement and competition of the sport.The transfer portal reshuffles college hockey rosters, as star players like Cullen Potter seek new opportunities to showcase their skills.Phoenix Today

Arizona State University forward Cullen Potter, the team's top player and a 2025 first-round NHL draft pick of the Calgary Flames, has entered the transfer portal and is likely heading to Michigan State. Potter's departure is a significant loss for the Sun Devils, who are coming off a last-place finish in the NCHC conference.

Why it matters

Potter's transfer is the latest in a string of roster changes for ASU, with several other players also entering the transfer portal. The loss of their top scorer and a highly touted NHL prospect raises questions about the program's ability to retain talent and develop players for the professional level.

The details

Potter, who totaled 25 goals and 48 points over two seasons at ASU, was initially committed to Michigan State before decommitting and landing with the Sun Devils. ASU coach Greg Powers expressed disappointment over losing a player of Potter's caliber, but acknowledged the realities of the modern transfer portal landscape.

  • The transfer portal officially opened on Monday, April 12, 2026.
  • Potter's entry into the portal was reported by The Athletic's Scott Wheeler on April 12, 2026.

The players

Cullen Potter

A forward for the Arizona State University hockey team and a 2025 first-round NHL draft pick of the Calgary Flames.

Greg Powers

The head coach of the Arizona State University hockey team.

Don Maloney

The president of hockey operations for the Calgary Flames, the NHL team that drafted Cullen Potter.

Chris Peters

A hockey draft and prospect analyst for FloHockey.

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What they’re saying

“We wish Cullen – and any player that is looking for other opportunities – all the best. The landscape is the landscape, and wow, we are disappointed to lose a player of his caliber, but he has every right to go look for whatever it is he wants.”

— Greg Powers, Head Coach, Arizona State University

“I think that that's the nature of the beast. There's still, I think, questions from NHL teams about Arizona State's ability to develop pro players. I think sometimes players that maybe don't feel like they took a big enough step are going to see if somebody else can bring that out of them.”

— Chris Peters, Hockey Draft and Prospect Analyst, FloHockey

“There's nothing negative at all about ASU and how he has been treated there. He has really been well-handled. It has been a really good place and a good situation for him.”

— Don Maloney, President of Hockey Operations, Calgary Flames

What’s next

The transfer portal will remain open for 15 days, during which time Arizona State will look to fill the holes left by Potter's departure and other players entering the portal.

The takeaway

Cullen Potter's decision to enter the transfer portal highlights the fluid nature of college hockey rosters in the modern era, as top talents seek out new opportunities to showcase their skills and potentially earn lucrative NIL deals. ASU must now work quickly to rebuild its roster and address the loss of its star player.