F Adam Benák - Youngstown Phantoms, USHL (2025 Draft)

[Appleyard]

I’ve watched him probably 8 x this year and he’s very tough to see how his game transcends into pro hockey . He probably needs another year of USHL and then play 2 or 3 years of college . I don’t see him commited to a college ?

Tbf last year he did not look a million miles away from being able to be a decent Extraliga player! At 17.

As things stand I am not sure be CAN play NCAA. Would be interesting to know if he is eligible.

He dressed in 18 pro games and played decent minutes. If he got paid anything he is ineligible.

Now, Samuel Sjolund played in 26 pro games on a junior! But seems like he probably never got paid in Allsvenskan.

Their compliance guys are like CSI detectives... and I cant imagine Benak did not get a penny. If he did he wont be playing NCAA. I know they have done some deep digging on things like bonuses with SHL guys based on minutes played etc while on a junior deal etc...

Though never know... Machu played 10 games in Extraliga, albeit basically no minutes, and was still eligible. But again, maybe compliance guys found him eligible as no pay.

 

[Czechboy]

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

My review of what I've watched from him this season. Has 15+36=51 points in 51 games.

I think he's been better as the season has went on.

He’s a good player, but I’m not his biggest fan. I think his scoring ability isn’t high enough for a dude that may or may not even be 5’8. He’s also not very strong for his size and routinely gets muscled off the puck. Don’t like his game at center either. Simply not big enough or fast enough, especially given his motor is only average. I think he’s a great skater with good puck handling, but he looks like a definite winger and one that may never be more than a good AHL/Czech league player. You never know though. Maybe he pops off big in the NHL and sticks as a second line/middle 6 winger. I’m okay with taking him in the third round.

 

[jtechkid]

As the year went on it looks like the smaller players are fading pretty hard in the draft . He will probably be 3-4 th round pick but more interested where he plays next year .

 

[GettingYourMoms]

hope Boston takes him

 

[Czechboy]

Looks like, today, Benak is a 3rd or 4th rounder. I'm not even making a guess anymore. But when he leads us to a historic U18 GOLD he better at least go in the 7th round.lol

 

[jtechkid]

He could and he’s having a great ushl season and i think would make a great 3-4 year ncaa player . How he projects at wing in the nhl is tough evaluation .

 

[Hockeyville USA]

We still have no idea if Benak is immediately NCAA eligible for 2025-26 and/or what his 2025-26 plans will be. Hmmm

 

[martygod12]

Injured? I dont see him putting up more games lately

 

[Czechboy]

Injured? I dont see him putting up more games lately

U18 is coming up so probably injured.lol

 

[martygod12]

U18 is coming up so probably injured.lol

He would ne no go either way, given the leagues only ends on 14.4 i think, and Youngstown is going to PO

 

[LeProspector]

Benak is going CHL next season.

 

[Czechboy]

USHL: Adam Benak - Neutral Zone - Men's

Adam Benak (C, L, 5’7″, 160, Youngstown Phantoms, 04/10/2007) Adam Benak is a high-skill, high-tempo offensive driver who leads his team in scoring and has shown consistent offensive production over... Read more

neutralzone.com

I've already given up on where he gets drafted or how it ends. So many strong opinions and strong arguments that I'll just wait it out.lol I do think this is a fair assessment.

I do think he can improve his shooting and I do think he will improve that. Muscle and strength will come. Height will not. Faceoffs can be taught and improved but I see a winger if he makes the NHL.

Today I say he goes in round 15 of next year's draft.lol

 

[czech]

Included in the national team for the U18 championship!