This past weekend in Los Angeles proved to be a history-making time at the NHL Draft, as two Sun Devils were selected.
It was a long time coming on Friday night, but with the 32nd pick, the Calgary Flames selected Cullen Potter as the first ever first round pick in program history.
The dream of a lifetime 🥹 pic.twitter.com/TORk05rAUr
— Sun Devil Hockey (@SunDevilHockey) June 28, 2025
Potter adds to the growing tradition of Sun Devil Hockey, being selected over four hours after Matthew Schaefer was drafted first overall by the New York Islanders.
"I love it there and it can be a really powerful school in college hockey."
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) June 7, 2025
Cullen Potter shares his thoughts on playing at Arizona State University and on taking part in the NHL Combine. pic.twitter.com/GyBcHLBBsX
The Flames were high on Potter during the NHL Draft Combine, however after taking fellow NCHC commit Cole Reschny (North Dakota) at No. 18 overall, it was unclear whether Calgary would use their second pick of the night on another center.
On a night when size was valued more than speed, Potter slid under the radar and looked like he might fall to the early second round, but Calgary got their guy in the end. Now the fun begins for Potter as he will wear the Flames logo next to his name on every lineup sheet.
Sun Devil hockey wasn't done, as the New Jersey Devils selected incoming freshman Ben Kevan in the 2nd round with the 63rd overall pick.
Once a Devil, always a Devil 😈 #NHLDraft /// #BeTheTradition pic.twitter.com/OwI1zozqlY
— Sun Devil Hockey (@SunDevilHockey) June 28, 2025
The second Devil off the board after Cullen Potter was drafted in the first round, Kevan becomes the 5th member of the 2025-26 roster to have draft rights held by an NHL team.
A product of Fairfield CA, Ben was a member of the 2025 U18 bronze medal team with Cullen Potter. Kevan will arrive in Tempe after two seasons in the USHL with the Des Moines Buccaneers, where he tallied 37 goals and 63 assists for 100 points in 110 games.
What does @bucshockey star forward Ben Kevan bring to the table? 👀@EliteProspects scout @high_sebastian breaks him down ahead of the #NHLDraft🌴 pic.twitter.com/RluxGlw0m9
— USHL (@USHL) June 17, 2025
Scouts raved about Ben's speed and creativity, citing his ability to create separation from defenders to stay a consistent threat on the rush. He's not afraid to attempt high-difficulty plays in the offensive zone and is a high volume shooter, averaging 5.7 shot attempts and 3.5 shots on goal per game.
The potential drawback to his game is a lower than average scoring efficiency (converting just 7% of "Grade A" scoring chances), as well as a high turnover rate at 7 giveaways per game. No player is completely perfect coming in to the draft, and New Jersey will be gaining an offensive playmaker with strong opportunities for development in his time at Arizona State.
Congratulations once again to Cullen and Ben! As always, Forks Up and Be The Tradition!