Rookie defenseman Zeev Buium, a 2024 first-round draft pick, recently signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild. Having won the NCAA championship with Denver, Buium decided to transition to the NHL after two college seasons. With key defensemen injured, Buium may see playing time in the upcoming critical game against Anaheim, as the Wild aim to secure a playoff spot.
Buium, pronounced BOO-yum, hails from San Diego and attended Shattuck St. Mary’s in Minnesota. His background includes playing in the world juniors and reaching the national semifinals with Denver, indicating his readiness for the NHL playoffs. The Wild need at least one point against Anaheim to secure a playoff berth, with potential tiebreaker scenarios against St. Louis and Calgary.