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 the course of the season. His puck skills, vision, and ability to generate grade “A” scoring chances are impressive. However, his combination of undersized frame and underdeveloped goal-scoring tools raises concerns about translatability to the National Hockey League. He has NHL tools, but will require time, physical development, and continued improvement in several key areas to be a legitimate pro threat.
Why He Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
- Elite Offensive Driver at the Junior Level
54 points in 53 games, leading the Youngstown Phantoms by a wide margin, with the next closest forward trailing by 12 points.
Leads team in assists (38) and is second in goals (16), showing he can both facilitate and finish.
2.5 grade “A” scoring chances per game is an excellent indicator of his ability to find seams and manipulate defenders in the offensive zone.
2.1 completed passes per game directly leading to grade “A” chances shows he makes his linemates better. - High-End Vision, Puck Touch and Anticipation
1.85 loose puck recoveries per game after shots is an elite indicator of zone awareness and anticipation/read instincts.
3.9 takeaways per game shows that despite his size, he’s disruptive and tracks the puck effectively.
0.5 penalties drawn per game further supports his ability to use his agility to force defenders into mistakes. - Offensive Zone Presence & Usage
Averages 10:39 offensive zone time per game and receives 4:23 of power play ice – he’s trusted to run the offense, quarterback zone entries and puck possession on the man advantage.
Top-line usage with nearly 20 minutes of ice per game confirms his role as the engine of Youngstown’s offense.
Why He Might Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
- Undersized with Durability Risk at Higher Levels
At 5’7″, 160 lbs, Benak is significantly below the average size for NHL forwards.
Receives 1.57 hard hits per game, far too many for a player of his stature—he gets caught in vulnerable spots and could wear down or miss time at higher levels. - Below-Average Shooting and Finishing Tools
Scores on just 9% of his grade “A” scoring chances, which is far too low for a top-line junior forward.
Needs significant work on release deception, one-timer, and shooting through traffic/screens to project as a goal scorer against National League goaltenders.
1.61 shots blocked per game and 1.3 shots missing the net per game show inefficiency in shot selection and release. - Inconsistencies in Puck Management and Puck Battles
While active in puck battles (13 per game), he only wins 47%, and this figure will decline against stronger competition unless he gains considerable strength and explosiveness.
6 giveaways per game compared to 84% pass completion – decision-making and execution under pressure are areas of concern.
For a smaller player with a skill-driven game, we want to see a pass completion rate closer to 90%. - Below NHL-Average Faceoff Skills
42% on draws across 8 faceoffs per game—not reliable enough to project as a center at the pro level without significant improvement in lower-body strength and technique.
Projection and Final Verdict
Draft Range: 4th–6th Round
Projection: Long-term offensive project with high IQ, playmaking ability, and power play upside. Could become a middle-six creative spark with power play upside if his physical tools catch up.
Best-Case NHL Upside: Creative third-line winger and power play specialist.
Most Likely Path: NCAA-bound or long development curve through the AHL; may take several years to build the strength and pace required to crack a pro lineup.
Conclusion
Adam Benak is a skilled, intelligent playmaker who has proven he can carry an offense at the USHL level. However, his undersized frame, inefficiency as a finisher, and puck management issues create legitimate concerns about his NHL translatability. Still, he is the type of late-round swing a team can take due to his vision, offensive motor, and ability to generate scoring chances at high volume. With proper development and physical progression, he could become an intriguing pro contributor down the line.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images