The 2026 NHL Entry Draft concluded with the Nashville Predators selecting forward Wyatt Cullen as the tenth overall pick, a decision that reflects the club's belief in the Minnesota native's offensive potential and readiness for the professional game.
Cullen spent the last two seasons in the USA Hockey National Development Program, where he honed his scoring touch and playmaking ability. In 15 games in the United States Hockey League he recorded six goals and ten assists, while his 45 points in 40 contests with the NTDP highlighted a consistent production level that caught the eyes of scouts across the league.
Next fall he will join the University of Minnesota, continuing a path already charted by his older brother Brooks, who is also committed to the Gophers. The move to college hockey provides Cullen with a platform to further develop his game while maintaining a strong connection to his home state.
A Family Affair in Minnesota
Cullen's father, Matt Cullen, brings a wealth of NHL experience to the conversation, having skated in 1,516 career games and captured three Stanley Cup championships. The elder Cullen's journey from a second‑round draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 1996 to a veteran of three championship teams adds a layer of expectation and inspiration for the younger Cullen as he embarks on his own professional trajectory.
The combination of a supportive family, a proven track record at the developmental level, and a clear commitment to collegiate competition positions Wyatt Cullen as one of the most intriguing prospects to watch in the coming seasons.
Looking Ahead
With the Predators' drafting of Cullen, the organization signals a willingness to invest in home‑grown talent that can contribute offensively and adapt to the speed of the NHL. As he prepares for his college debut, the hockey world will be watching closely to see how the Minnesota native translates his developmental success into the next chapter of his career.