In the 2026-27 season, a total of 14 NHL prospects (representing 13 different NHL clubs) will play for the Broncos. Arguably, the two most promising prospects among this group are forwards Adam Benak (102nd overall to MIN in 2025) and Tommy Lafreniere (83rd overall to EDM in 2025).
Benak fell to the 4th round a year ago, owing to his 5’8″ stature. A late 1st round / early 2nd round pick on most pre-draft boards, Benak has been a big-time producer at both the USHL and OHL levels over the past two seasons. He is coming off a season in Hamilton in which he registered 77 points (28G 49A) in just 48 games, and is rated as the #2 prospect in Minnesota’s pool. The Czechia native will be joined by countryman Jakub Vanecek (59th overall to DAL in 2026) in 2027-28, who is slated to play for the WHL’s Tri-City Americans for one more season prior to suiting up for the Broncos.
Lafreniere also is a highly-rated forward prospect who matched Benak’s 77-point effort (41G 37A) for Kamloops in the WHL last season. His high energy and ultra-competitive spirit make him a future top-nine forward prospect in Edmonton’s system. Lafreniere and University of Michigan forward JP Hurlbert (23rd overall to DET in 2026), Kamloops teammates a year ago, will face each other this season when the Wolverines travel to Kalamazoo to take on the Broncos at the school’s first-ever outdoor hockey game.