Zeev Buium is aiming to make an immediate impact for the Minnesota Wild as he prepares for the upcoming NHL season. The 19-year-old defenseman isn’t just focused on making the roster out of training camp — he wants to be a key contributor from day one.
Buium gained valuable experience last season, appearing in four Stanley Cup Playoff games and competing in the IIHF World Championship, where he helped Team USA win gold. These high-pressure moments have boosted his confidence heading into his first full NHL season.
“I do think that there is an opportunity for me to step in and be a player on the team,” Buium said, according to NHL.com. “And for me, I don’t just want to be a guy who’s out there — [I want to] help this team win. So yeah, I’m going to do whatever I can to do that.”
Buium’s impressive journey and expectations for the season
Selected 12th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Buium had an outstanding collegiate career at the University of Denver, tallying 48 points (13 goals, 35 assists) in 41 games last season. He earned multiple accolades, including NCHC Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. His experience in NCAA playoffs and international competitions have prepared him well for the professional level.
Zeev Buium #8 of the Minnesota Wild skates with the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights in the third period of Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on April 22, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Minnesota’s excitement about Buium’s potential impact
Wild general manager Bill Guerin expressed enthusiasm about the rookie’s potential, saying, “Zeev is a young guy that I think we’ve all seen what he’s been capable of. He’s one of those young pieces of talent that we’re very excited to see make a push and have an impact on the team.” Buium’s offseason training has been intensified to prepare for the physical and mental demands of the NHL season.
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