Minnesota Wild Draft Pick Garnering Huge Praise

No, the Minnesota Wild did not have a first round pick in this weekend’s NHL Draft. President of hockey operations Bill Guerin traded that to the Columbus Blue Jackets prior to the 2024-25 trade deadline, as the feature piece of a package that landed the Wild 21-year-old defenseman, David Jiricek.

Instead, Guerin and and his front office quietly waited out Friday’s first round. On Saturday, however, the Wild got to work. Not only did Billy make five total selections on day two, but one of their three 4th rounders was acquired via trade, in exchange for Wild defenseman Declan Chisholm.

NHL Draft pundits have mixed reviews regarding Minnesota’s 2025 draft class, which isn’t a surprise given most of their picks came in the 4th and 5th rounds, with only a single selection in the first three rounds.

NHL Network crew loves Wild draft pick, Adam Benak

But there’s one pick, 4th round undersized (5’7″) centerman Adam Benak, who has drawn rave reviews from all over the hockey world, starting immediately after the pick was taken.

That’s when the NHL Network draft coverage floor was given to former Florida Panthers director of scouting, Jason Bukala (Pro Hockey Group), who happens to be a HUGE fan of the 18-year-old USHL standout, out of Youngstown.

The @NHLNetwork draft crew loves MN Wild 4th round pick (No. 102) — left shot centerman, Adam Benak — a small, feisty, highly capable scorer out of Youngstown (USHL) pic.twitter.com/F0WKUype0M

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) June 28, 2025

“This kid came to my attention…two years ago, when he was playing in the four nations tournament [in Plymouth]. Dynamic little guy. He plays on the world stage, represents his country in all the big tournaments. In Youngstown, he had to make some adjustments this year. But I believe he has NHL upside. I really truly do.

Why? Because he’s quick, he’s super competitive, he always wants the puck, he’s always around the puck. You notice him all the time, despite his stature. So great pick there…this is crafty by Minnesota…He’s a really good player.”

Jason Bakula – NHL Network

In his first season of USHL play, Benak lead the 2025 Youngstown Phantoms with 59 points, on 17 goals and 42 assists. As mentioned by Bakula, he’s been a featured member of the Czechia’s international junior teams since he was 16 years old, racking up 27 goals and 50 assists in 70 international games played.

When you look at his highlights, it’s easy to see why hockey people are excited about Adam Benak. He’s incredibly skilled and seems to have a hunger for the puck that makes his 5’7″, 165 lb frame into a weapon on ice.

Minnesota Wild got incredible value in 4th round

Still, that is extremely small for the NHL, which is why he dropped all the way to the 4th round. But at 18 years old, it’s very plausible he’s not done growing yet. And with talent like this, it’s quite the value that late. No matter the size… these wrists don’t lie.

Adam Benak, choix #102 des @mnwild

Rang LPR: 70e pic.twitter.com/EAIIAcEn9e

— La Première Ronde (@1ereronde) June 28, 2025

The real value came from selecting Adam Benak, who is one of the best skaters and smartest players in the draft class. But he’s small, so of course he fell. He was by far the most skilled player available in the fourth round, and if he grows a couple inches, he has the special talent to be a top-six player.

Rachel Doerrie – ESPN

It’s not just the NHL Network draft panel who’s intrigued by Adam Benak. Throughout the hockey world, draft pundits have pegged this kid as an uber-talented steal in the 4th round. He has a lot to prove, given his diminutive stature, but nobody doubts anything else in his game.

Adam Benak is full of speed and skill. He’s highly shifty and makes a lot of tough small-area plays. His vision is high-end, showing the creativity, instincts and quick decisions to run a power play and create offense at the highest levels.

On a pure talent level, he checks the boxes. He’s a legit 5-foot-7, though, and despite his offense, there is a major question about whether he’s special enough at that size to make it.

Cory Pronman – The Athletic

I love the swing on Adam Benak, another player I tied to them, too. Benak is one of the smartest players in this class and one of its best skaters. He’s extremely tiny, and that’s going to make it hard, but in the fourth round, I don’t think you can go wrong with that bet.

He’s fearless, too. I think he could surprise some people, and I know there were a few other teams that were pretty high on him and were prepared to pick him shortly after the Wild did at No. 102.

Scott Wheeler – The Athletic