Minnesota Wild's Future: An In-Depth Look at Their Promising 2025 NHL Draft Class.
  • 513 views
  • 2 min read

The Minnesota Wild entered the 2025 NHL Draft without a first-round pick, a result of a previous trade to acquire defenseman David Jiricek from the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, the Wild still managed to make five selections on day two of the draft, adding a mix of talent to their prospect pool.

Here's a look at the Wild's 2025 draft class:

Theodor Hallquisth, D, (52nd overall)

The Wild's first pick of the draft was Theodor Hallquisth, a defenseman from Taby, Sweden. Hallquisth played for the Orebro junior team in Sweden during the 2024-25 season, recording 22 points (5 goals, 17 assists) in 41 games. Judd Brackett, the Wild's director of amateur scouting, praised Hallquisth's assertiveness and ability to separate players from pucks. Hallquisth is a 6-foot-2, 186-pound defenseman known for his defensive capabilities and improving skating. Some scouts describe him as a "vanilla" pick, meaning he's a safe, reliable player. Hallquisth adds to a strong group of defensive prospects in the Wild system.

Adam Benák, C, (102nd overall)

With their first of three fourth-round picks, the Wild selected Adam Benák, a center from Znojmo, Czech Republic. Benák played for Youngstown in the United States Hockey League (USHL) during the 2024-25 season, tallying 59 points (17 goals, 42 assists) in 56 games. Benák is a smaller player, listed at 5-foot-8 and 164 pounds, but is known for his high-end skill, skating ability, and hockey sense. Brackett described Benák as a possession player with excellent vision and quickness. Some scouts believe Benák has the potential to be a steal in the fourth round, praising his smarts and skating.

Lirim Amidovski, RW, (121st overall)

The Wild acquired this pick in a trade with the Washington Capitals. Lirim Amidovski, a right-winger from Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. He played for the North Bay Battalion in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) during the 2024-25 season, scoring 23 goals and 20 assists for 43 points in 63 games. Brackett described Amidovski as a fast, two-way winger.

Carter Klippenstein, C, (123rd overall)

Klippenstein, from Calgary, Alberta, played for the Brandon Wheat Kings in the Western Hockey League (WHL). In 58 games, he recorded 14 goals and 14 assists. Klippenstein is known for his competitive and physical style of play. The Wild traded up to draft him, indicating their belief in his potential.

Justin Kipkie, D, (141st overall)

Justin Kipkie is a defenseman who played for the Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League (WHL). In the 2024-25 season, he had 14 goals and 14 assists in 58 games.

Draft Grade

Experts have given the Wild's draft class mixed reviews. Without a first-round pick, it's difficult to give the Wild an "A" grade. However, many analysts liked the Wild's selection of Adam Benák, viewing him as a potential steal due to his high skill level. Some were critical of the Hallquist pick, suggesting he was picked a little early. Overall the Minnesota Wild addressed needs in their prospect pool through the selection of these five players.


Writer - Aanya Sharma
With an observant eye, a genuine interest in people, and a passion for sports, Aanya is a budding journalist eager to capture her community's defining stories. She believes in the power of local narratives to foster connection and understanding. Aanya, also an avid sports enthusiast, is currently honing her interviewing skills, focusing on active listening and drawing out the human element in every story she pursues.
Advertisement

Latest Post


Real Madrid has been dealt a significant blow with the news that their new signing, Trent Alexander-Arnold, has been ruled out indefinitely due to a hamstring injury. The unfortunate incident occurred during the Champions League match against Olympiq...
  • 126 views
  • 2 min

Diksha Dagar is set to lead the Indian challenge at the Hero Women's Indian Open 2025, which will be held at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram from October 9-12. The tournament, now in its 17th edition, has increased its prize purse to USD 50...
  • 405 views
  • 2 min

The Pakistan cricket team is currently facing a tense situation at the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai, with their participation in the crucial match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hanging in the balance due to an ongoing dispute between the Pakistan ...
  • 190 views
  • 2 min

UEFA has recently delayed making a definitive decision regarding proposals to play LaLiga and Serie A matches outside of their respective home countries. This move comes as requests from the Spanish (RFEF) and Italian (FIGC) football federations to h...
  • 302 views
  • 2 min

Advertisement
The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League kicked off with a bang, highlighted by Juventus's dramatic draw against Borussia Dortmund and a Real Madrid victory inspired by Kylian Mbappé. In Turin, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund played out an eight-goal thrill...
  • 403 views
  • 1 min

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank expressed his satisfaction after a narrow 1-0 victory over Villarreal in their Champions League return, highlighting the team's resilience and defensive solidity. Spurs marked their return to Europe's elite comp...
  • 650 views
  • 2 min

Lionel Messi's participation in the 2026 World Cup has been a subject of much discussion, but his Argentina teammate, Cristian Romero, has confidently stated that Messi will "easily" be fit to participate. Romero dismissed concerns about Messi's fitn...
  • 590 views
  • 2 min

Despite Aston Villa's recent shoot-out loss to Brentford in the Carabao Cup, manager Unai Emery remains optimistic, focusing on the visible improvements in his team's performance. The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time, saw Villa ...
  • 581 views
  • 2 min

Advertisement
About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 SportsBuzz360