Minnesota Wild Signs Zeev Buium Before Season Finale

The Minnesota Wild have signed 19-year-old defenseman Zeev Buium to a three-year, entry-level contract, just ahead of the team's last regular season game against the Anaheim Ducks. Buium, a first-round pick (12th overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft, had an impressive college career with the University of Denver, amassing 98 points in 83 games and leading NCAA defensemen in scoring. He was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award and played a pivotal role in Denver's national championship win and Team USA's gold medals at the World Junior Championships. The Wild are poised to clinch a playoff spot, and Buium's offensive skills and experience could bolster their lineup, particularly with injuries to key defensemen. Buium is expected to make his NHL debut soon, potentially in the upcoming game against Anaheim, and his entry into the NHL comes with high expectations, drawing comparisons to fellow Wild defenseman Brock Faber for his readiness.