Zeev Buium Expected to Make NHL Debut for Wild

Zeev Buium, a standout defenseman who recently won an NCAA championship with Denver, has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild and could debut as the team pushes for the playoffs. Buium, the Wild's 2024 first-round draft pick, left college after concluding there was little left for him to develop at that level, having been the country's highest-scoring defenseman and a Hobey Baker finalist. At just 19, he joined the Wild for his first practice this week, where he was warmly welcomed and the subject of light-hearted rookie pranks from teammates. With the Wild facing injuries among their defensive ranks and their playoff spot not yet secure, Buium may be thrust into significant action immediately. Both coaches and teammates have praised his skating, power-play ability, and maturity, suggesting he is ready for this next step. Buium himself expressed excitement and readiness to contribute to the team at the highest level.