The Minnesota Wild selected defenseman Zeev Buium with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft after trading up with the Philadelphia Flyers. Buium, who played his freshman season at the University of Denver, recorded an impressive 50 points and was instrumental in leading his team to an NCAA National Championship and a gold medal at the World Junior Championship. He was highly decorated, receiving accolades such as NCHC Rookie of the Year and Offensive Defenseman of the Year. Analysts and scouts praised Buium's two-way play, his exceptional skating, and his high hockey IQ, with some calling him the steal of the draft. Buium's selection marks him as one of the top prospects, continuing a family tradition as his older brother, Shai, was also an NHL draft pick.