Nashville Predators forward Wyatt Cullen, selected 10th overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, described the moment country music star Luke Bryan announced and welcomed him to the organization as “special.” Cullen also admitted the overwhelming emotions left him nearl
By the time Nashville Predators were on the clock with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the night already carried a familiar echo for Wyatt Cullen.
For Predators fans. Cullen’s name comes with history: his father. Matt Cullen. suited up for the franchise during his own playing days. So when Luke Bryan—who was in Buffalo for a concert at the same time as the NHL Draft—stepped out to make the announcement and welcome Cullen to the organization. the moment landed with an extra layer of meaning.
Asked whether he ever imagined his name would be called by Luke Bryan, Cullen didn’t hesitate. “Not at all, it was really cool to see him come out,” Cullen said via NHL Media on X. “It was a special moment for sure.”
Cullen said the sheer weight of what was happening hit him all at once. “A lot of emotions, I think I blacked out a little bit,” he said. “But I’m super overjoyed and something I dreamed of my whole life. And it’s finally here, and it happened.”
The forward didn’t stop with the spotlight, though. Cullen also used the moment to look back to the people who helped him get there—his parents. He described their support as something that mattered most through the grind, not just the celebration.
“It means so much,” Cullen said of his parents. “I mean, I’ve had a tough – not a tough year, but some ups and downs. And I think persevering through them. they helped me a lot to go through all of that. and yeah. it was super special. I mean. they care so much about me. and they’ve done so much for me in my life. and I couldn’t be more grateful for them.”.
On the ice, Cullen’s draft stock is tied to production and development. He posted 16 goals and 29 assists for the USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program U-18 team this season.
With the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. the Nashville Predators selected forward Wyatt Cullen. and a night that began with a family connection quickly became something he described as unforgettable—Luke Bryan’s announcement. Cullen nearly losing track of himself in the emotion. and gratitude that pointed straight back to the support system behind him.
Wyatt Cullen Nashville Predators 2026 NHL Draft Luke Bryan Matt Cullen USA Hockey National Team Development Program U-18 NHL Media on X draft night
Luke Bryan is everywhere lol. Predators draft got country music now, great.
So his dad played for Nashville and then Luke Bryan shows up? That’s kinda wild. Also I don’t even get why Luke was there like he’s part owner or something.
Wait did he say he blacked out? Like from emotions? That seems dramatic, but I guess being drafted is a big deal. Still can’t believe it’s the 2026 draft already.
NHL teams really out here doing country concerts during drafts now. Next they gonna have a rapper announce the pick. And honestly the stats thing (16 and 29) sounds made up? Like what league is that exactly, U-18 always feels inflated.