Wyatt Cullen, F, USNTDP
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 172 pounds
Shoots: Left
Hometown: Moorhead, Minnesota
Team: U.S. National Under-18 Team, USNTDP
College Commitment: Minnesota
2025-26 Stats: 40 GP, 16 G, 29 A, 45 PTS
Projected Draft Range: Round 1
Sportsvival is continuing its look at the 2026 NHL Draft class with USNTDP forward Wyatt Cullen, one of the more interesting risers in this year’s group. Cullen brings skill, hockey bloodlines, offensive vision, and a developing frame that gives NHL teams plenty to think about. He has been productive for the U.S. National Under-18 Team, posting 16 goals, 29 assists, and 45 points in 40 games during the 2025-26 season.
Background
Wyatt Cullen is a left-shot forward from Moorhead, Minnesota, and he plays for the U.S. National Team Development Program. He was born on September 8, 2008, and is listed by USA Hockey at 6’0” and 172 pounds. Cullen is also committed to the University of Minnesota, giving him a strong development path after his time with the NTDP.
Cullen also comes from a hockey family. He is the son of longtime NHL forward Matt Cullen, but Wyatt is building his own draft story with his production, skill, and growth as a player. NHL.com noted in January that Cullen had dealt with an injury early in the season, but still remained one of the top American forwards in the 2026 draft conversation.
Skill Set
Cullen’s game is built around hockey sense, puck skill, and offensive timing. He sees the ice well, can make plays through traffic, and has the patience to let passing lanes open instead of forcing plays too early. He is not just a straight-line attacker. He can slow the game down, change angles, and create chances off the rush or in the offensive zone.
His playmaking is one of the first things that stands out. Cullen can work from the wall, slide into soft spots, and find teammates around the net. He also has enough scoring touch to keep defenders honest. His 16 goals show that he is not only a setup forward. He can finish when he gets into dangerous areas.
Offensive Game
Cullen has the tools to become a dangerous offensive forward at the next level. He plays with good poise, keeps his head up, and understands how to attack space. He can make plays in transition, but he is also effective when the game slows down and he has to operate inside the offensive zone.
Sportsvival likes how Cullen blends playmaking with scoring instincts. He does not need to dominate the puck every shift to make an impact. He can create with quick touches, smart routes, and good reads away from the puck. His production with the NTDP shows a player who can drive offense and be trusted in important offensive situations.
Skating
Cullen’s skating has improved as his body has developed. He has enough quickness to separate in small areas, and his edge work helps him create space in the offensive zone. He is not always going to win with pure top-end speed, but he uses timing, body positioning, and puck control to stay dangerous.
As he gets stronger, his skating should continue to take another step. That will be important because NHL teams will want to see him handle pace, pressure, and physical contact against older competition.
Pros
Cullen has high-end hockey sense and offensive vision.
He can create offense as both a passer and a scorer.
He has good hands and patience with the puck.
He understands spacing and can find soft areas in coverage.
He has a strong development path with the NTDP and Minnesota.
He has room to keep adding strength to his frame.
Cons
He still needs to get stronger physically.
His defensive game can continue to round out.
He may need time before he is ready for NHL pace and strength.
He is more of a skill-and-sense forward than a power forward right now.
Teams will want to see how his game translates when opponents close space quicker.
NHL Comparison
NHL Comparison: Nick Schmaltz
Cullen’s game has some Nick Schmaltz traits because of the way he processes the ice, handles the puck, and creates offense with patience. Like Schmaltz, Cullen can be a skilled connector who helps an offense flow. He is not just a shooter or just a passer. He has the ability to make the right read and keep plays alive.
This is not saying Cullen will become Schmaltz, but stylistically, that type of smart, skilled, playmaking forward is the kind of NHL mold Cullen could grow into.
Draft Outlook
Wyatt Cullen looks like a strong first-round candidate for the 2026 NHL Draft. His production, skill, bloodlines, and development curve make him one of the more intriguing American forwards in the class. Elite Prospects lists him as eligible for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and shows several public rankings with him inside the first-round mix, including NHL Central Scouting’s North American skater list.
Sportsvival sees Cullen as a player who could continue to rise if teams believe the best version of his game is still ahead of him. He has already shown he can produce, and his offensive instincts are real. If he adds strength, keeps improving his pace, and rounds out the details away from the puck, Cullen has the look of a future top-six NHL forward.
Sportsvival Summary
Wyatt Cullen is one of those prospects who may look better and better the deeper teams dig into his game. He has skill, vision, offensive creativity, and a frame that is still developing. He may need time, but the upside is very real.
For Sportsvival, Cullen is a first-round talent with the chance to become one of the better offensive forwards from the American side of the 2026 NHL Draft class.