Adam BENAK

Center
5’7/157
Left
Youngstown Phantoms/USHL

After setting the record for all-time scoring at the Hlinka early in the round-robin, Benak was on a mission to help Czechia get back to the gold medal game. Although the Czech squad came up just short to Canada for a second straight year in the final, Benak was a difference-maker in every game to get them there. He finished second in the tournament scoring with 11 points and tied for the tournament lead in goals. His playmaking was simply phenomenal throughout, finding seams and making passes most players only dream of. Benak had 21 points in 10 Hlinka Gretzky Cup games over the past two seasons. Although he’s just 5-foot-7, he will be a first-round candidate this year because the talent is undeniable. His Talent is undeniable and is a player to monitor next season as he transitions into the North American game after playing his entire junior career in Czechia. His height is going to be a major red flag that prevents teams from using a first-round pick on him, but in terms of talent, he could be one of the best in terms of raw offensive skillset.

Size/Strength Below Average
Skating Excellent
Shot/Scoring Excellent
Puckhandling Great
Physical Play Below Average
Offensive Play Excellent
Defensive Play Average
Hockey Sense Excellent
Competitiveness Excellent

Strengths

1. Benak’s game is built around his speed and as a smaller player, his speed is the key to his offensive prowess.
2. Endeared himself to the scouting community with his hockey IQ, penchant for scoring, ability to set up linemates, and overall work-rate.
3. high-end offensive player, and can generate offense consistently.

Areas of Improvement

1. Size will undoubtedly be a concern, as he stands at only 5 foot 7 and 157 pounds, he’s at an immediate disadvantage to his bigger, stronger opponents.
2. Will need to work on the defensive side of his game.

Scouting Report

Adam Benak already had an impressive showing as a 16-year-old at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, netting 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in five games. Through two games at the 2024 edition, the center had 12 points to lead Czechia to the Silver Medal. Benak’s game focuses mostly on speed, although he is a bit smaller than most other players, he is more skills, and is very quick on his feet. He’s more of a playmaker than a scorer, but he certainly is capable
of putting the puck in the net as well. He’s endeared himself to the scouting community with his hockey IQ, penchant for scoring, ability to set up linemates, and overall work-rate. Benak is a high-end offensive player and has a high IQ, the technical side of his game is as close to perfect as you can get in a draft prospect. Benak generates so much offense consistently. Great speed and mobility while also being able to create at that speed. Size will undoubtedly be a storyline in Benak’s draft season. At 5-foot-7 and 157 pounds, he’s at an immediate disadvantage to his bigger, stronger opponents. Benak, who shredded Czechia’s U20 league with 29 points (eight goals, 21 assists ) in 29 games as a 16-year-old in 2023-24, also played in 18 games for HC Plzen’s men’s program last season and will play for the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL in 2024-25. While there certainly is a risk-taking a player that is only 5 foot 7, he plays bigger than his size and will battle for pucks against bigger guys. Cole Caufield of the Montreal Canadiens is a good NHL Comparable for Benak, Caufield much like Benak, absolutely lit up the USDP and had the offensive upside of a top 10 pick, but teams passed on him because he was “too small”. Cole Caufield has established himself a top line caliber player in the league because of his dynamic offensive abilities, so I have no reason to believe Adam Benak can’t do the same. It is tough to predict where he might go in the draft, but if he has a great year in the USHL, he could be a first-round pick.

Skill: Small but Dynamic winger with speed, elite hockey IQ, scoring, and playmaking skills

NHL Comparable: Cole Caufield

NHL Potential: Top 6 Play-Driving Winger

Season	Team	League	GP	G	PTS
2023-24	Czechia U17	WHC-17	8	3	8
	Czechia U18	Hlinka Gretzky Cup	5	2	10
	HC Plzen U20	Czechia U20	33	9	33
	HC Plzen	Czechia	18	0	2
	Czechia U18	WJC-18	5	1	3
2024-25	Czechia U18	Hlinka Gretzky Cup	5	4	11

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