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The St. Louis Blues are poised to make a significant decision with their No. 11 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and forward Wyatt Cullen has emerged as a compelling candidate. Cullen’s dynamic offensive skill set and recent growth spurt make him one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class.
As the son of former NHL player Matt Cullen, Wyatt brings a legacy of hockey pedigree to the rink. However, what truly sets him apart is his remarkable physical development; over the past year, he has grown several inches, with current listings placing him between six feet and 6-foot-2. The upcoming NHL combine will provide clarity on his exact height.
Beyond his growth, Cullen has demonstrated impressive offensive capabilities. Competing with the U.S. National Development Team Program (USNDTP), he racked up 16 goals and 45 points in just 40 games. Additionally, in his USHL appearances with NTDP, he scored six goals and tallied 16 points in 15 games. His performance at the U-18 World Championship was equally notable, where he led Team USA with three goals and nine points in five games, ranking third in the tournament overall.
Cullen’s game is anchored by his exceptional skating ability. His speed and agility allow him to maneuver effectively, creating space and protecting the puck with finesse. He excels as a playmaker, consistently seeking to deliver passes into high-danger areas. His skating skills are complemented by his deceptive puck-handling, making him a constant threat during transitions.
While Cullen’s offensive game is still developing, he is among the youngest players in the draft, having been born on September 8, 2008, just narrowly qualifying. His potential is further underscored by a scout’s assessment that he may be best suited to play as a center. According to Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff, a scout remarked, “(I was) talking to scouts that actually thought he was a center based off of how proficient he is in his own zone, how much time he spends there stealing the puck off guys to then just find out he’s actually a winger surprised a few people. That’s how good a game he has.”
As the Blues look to bolster their roster with a highly skilled forward, Cullen presents an enticing option. Although he may carry more uncertainty than wingers like Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg, the Blues’ three first-round selections afford them the luxury of taking a calculated risk on Cullen’s potential. Following the draft, Cullen is set to join the University of Minnesota in the NCAA for the 2027-28 season, where he will continue to develop his game.
Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.
