Wyatt Cullen, a freshman forward from Moorhead, Minnesota, heard his name called tenth overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, marking a milestone in a family steeped in hockey.
Family Legacy Meets New Opportunities
The son of former NHL veteran Matt Cullen, now Director of Player Development for the Gophers, grew up watching the game from the sidelines and refined his skills with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.
At the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, Cullen distinguished himself among Team USA’s top performers, helping the squad secure a podium finish and drawing praise for his two‑way play.
His commitment to the University of Minnesota adds another chapter to a program that has seen a Gopher selected in the top ten in 52 of the last 53 drafts, underscoring the school’s pipeline to the NHL.
The Predators, who have been rebuilding around a blend of youth and experience, view Cullen as a versatile addition who can contribute both offensively and defensively, and they will likely slot him into a development role alongside their AHL affiliate.
Fans and analysts alike are already speculating about how his style will mesh with the team’s up‑tempo system, and the organization’s director of player development, Matt Cullen, expressed confidence that the youngster will thrive in Nashville’s competitive environment.