Mar 29, 2025; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; The Minnesota Wild mascot celebrates a goal with fans in the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images. [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7e5299a5-3642-4af1-9957-d7afa8ccb2a4.jpeg] Mar 29, 2025; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; The Minnesota Wild mascot celebrates a goal with fans in the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images. After an impressive season in the USHL [https://thehockeynews.com/ushl]with the Youngstown Phantoms, Adam Benak was drafted 102nd overall by the Minnesota Wild [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/minnesota-wild] in the 2025 NHL Draft. The fourth rounder was drafted second overall in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import draft by the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl] https://thehockeynews.com/ohlBenak, 18, recorded 17 goals, 42 assists and 59 points in 57 games for the Phantoms during the 2024-25 season. He was named to the USHL All-Rookie team. He recorded seven goals, 17 assists and 24 points in 12 games for Czechia U18 International Juniors that year as well. Instead of returning to the USHL, Benak will go play in the OHL with the Bulldogs. The 5-foot-8 center is an interesting Wild prospect to keep an eye on. OTHER WILD NEWS Son Of Former Minnesota Wild Forward Commits To University Of Minnesota [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/00d0f8bb-1993-45e2-a21c-4bc29d4658e6.jpeg] Son Of Former Minnesota Wild Forward Commits To University Of Minnesota Long-time NHL forward Matt Cullen's son <a href="https://x.com/FutureGophers/status/1952348758223806861">just announced his commitment</a> to playing hockey for the University of Minnesota. Wyatt is one of three Cullen brothers, all who play hockey. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/minnesota-wild/latest-news/son-of-former-minnesota-wild-forward-commits-to-university-of-minnesota] Former Minnesota Wild Forward Signs Two-Year Contract With The Pittsburgh Penguins [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/76d8a100-0ec4-4e7b-9c2e-89c7126059f2.jpeg] Former Minnesota Wild Forward Signs Two-Year Contract With The Pittsburgh Penguins The Minnesota Wild traded forwards Marat Khusnutdinov and <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/minnesota-wild/latest-news/former-minnesota-wild-forward-signs-multi-year-contract-in-czech-extraliga-league">Jakub Lauko</a>, along with a 2026 sixth round pick, to the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins">Boston Bruins</a> for forward Justin Brazeau at the traded deadline. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/minnesota-wild/latest-news/former-minnesota-wild-forward-signs-two-year-contract-with-the-pittsburgh-penguins] Former Minnesota Wild Forward Signs Multi-Year Contract In Czech Extraliga League [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/512ab947-8019-4b12-94bb-34b70a1cb802.jpeg] Former Minnesota Wild Forward Signs Multi-Year Contract In Czech Extraliga League After just 139 games in the NHL, the former Minnesota Wild forward <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/minnesota-wild/latest-news/wild-reportedly-trade-marat-khusnutdinov-jakub-lauko-to-boston-for-justin-brazeau">Jakub Lauko</a> is heading to Europe to play for <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/jakub-lauko-returns-home-to-czechia-on-multi-year-deal">Dynamo Pardubice</a>, in the Czech Extraliga League. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/minnesota-wild/latest-news/former-minnesota-wild-forward-signs-multi-year-contract-in-czech-extraliga-league]
