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.