Minnesota Wild BANKING on Skill over Size in NHL Draft | Brackett’s Bold Vision

The Minnesota Wild’s decision to trade their first and third-round picks for defenseman David Jiříček makes sense after a lackluster NHL Draft with a quickly depleting talent pool. Facing a weaker draft with limited picks, Judd Brackett’s scouting team focused on securing at least one NHL-caliber player rather than chasing high-risk, high-reward talent. Historically, the Wild have mixed strategies, drafting both high-skill players like Riley Heidt and safer bets like Rasmus Kumpulainen. This year, with only five picks and low odds of landing an NHL regular (30% for second-rounders, 17% for fourth), they prioritized high-floor players. A healthy farm system needs consistent talent to avoid gaps, especially if Minnesota can’t attract top free agents. If the Wild can develop reliable depth players like Carson Soucy or Connor Dewar from this draft, alongside Jiříček, it’s a success.

So who are these guys, anyway?

52nd Overall: Theodor Hallquisth, RHD

Defenseman Hallquisth as a two-way player with strong hockey IQ, capable of reading pressure, making smart plays out of the defensive zone, and playing with competitive edge. While the Wild’s scouts valued him highly, broader scouting consensus, including Bob McKenzie’s ranking, placed him as a late second-rounder (61st overall). Typically, “two-way defenseman” suggests a defensive lean, but at 6-foot-2 and 172 pounds, Hallquisth has room to grow into a solid defensive presence. Lassi Alanen’s data from the Elite Prospects Draft Guide highlights his transition game as a strength, with controlled offensive zone entries, despite below-average puck skills per Corey Pronman. As a big, right-shot defenseman, Hallquisth is a valuable developmental prospect behind Faber, Spurgeon, Jiříček, and Spacek. His brief SHL stint with Örebro was challenging at 17, but his progress as an 18-year-old will be telling.

102nd Overall: Adam Benák, Center

Forward Benák as a dynamic offensive player with great vision, skill, speed, and tenacity despite his 5-foot-7 frame. Unlike the Wild’s typical high-floor, low-ceiling picks, Benák is a high-risk, high-reward fourth-round selection. Small stature makes NHL success rare, requiring exceptional talent like Cole Caufield or Martin St. Louis, but expecting that level is unfair, as Benák’s size likely pushed him out of earlier rounds. A better comparison is Mason Shaw, a gritty bottom-six NHLer despite injury setbacks. If Benák avoids similar injuries, he could exceed Shaw’s impact. Elite Prospects ranked him 102nd but praised his tenacity, while The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler (37th) lauded his playmaking, anticipation, skating, and competitiveness. His father’s 5-foot-10 height suggests potential growth, which could significantly boost his NHL chances, though staying at center remains unlikely.

121st Overall, Lirim Amidovski, RW

Described forward Amidovski as a high-speed, relentless forechecker with a “heat-seeking missile” style, echoed by Elite Prospects’ “missile on skates” label. Despite low-scoring OHL players rarely reaching the NHL, Elite Prospects sees Amidovski as an exception with a translatable, gritty game that could lead to an NHL role if refined. The Wild, familiar with the value of grinders after losing Duhaime, Dewar, and Shaw and acquiring Yakov Trenin, view Amidovski as a homegrown fit for that role. Mitchell Brown’s tracking highlights his net-driving ability and strong defensive metrics, suggesting sneaky upside. He could become a fan-favorite, much like Duhaime.

123rd Overall, Carter Klippenstein, Center

Source: HockeyWilderNess