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When training camp opens in September, all eyes will be on Zeev Buium. The 19-year-old defenseman, drafted 12th overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2024, isn’t looking for a slow introduction to the NHL.
He’s planning to step in and make an impact right away. “I do think that there is an opportunity for me to step in and be a player on the team,” Buium said recently. “And for me, I don’t just want to be a guy who’s out there—I want to help this team win.”
From college dominance to NHL playoff debut: Zeev Buium’s rise to stardom
Zeev Buium signed his three-year entry-level contract on April 13, just three days after the University of Denver’s Frozen Four elimination. One week later, on April 20, he made his NHL debut in Game 1 of Minnesota’s first-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights, logging 13:27 of ice time in a 4-2 loss.
He appeared in four playoff games and recorded one assist, giving him an early taste of the league’s intensity. “Being able to play in those couple games at the end of the year and then going to World Championships [with the United States] really helped me,” Buium said. “You learn a lot… how guys carry themselves and what you need to do.”
Before signing with Minnesota, Buium had a remarkable college season. He put up 48 points (13 goals, 35 assists) in 41 games for Denver, earning NCHC Player of the Year and Best Offensive Defenseman honors, while finishing as a Hobey Baker finalist.
He was also a unanimous NCHC First-Team All-Star selection. The California native isn’t short on championship experience either. He helped Denver win the 2024 NCAA title and was part of the U.S. teams that claimed gold at both the 2025 World Juniors and the IIHF World Championship—the latter breaking a 92-year drought for Team USA. “There’ll always be enough room [for more trophies],” Buium joked. “The group of guys we had was so special… everyone’s so great and cares about each other.
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Zeev Buium’s offseason grind and Bill Guerin’s blueprint for a breakout rookie year
Now, Buium is focused on adding strength and explosiveness to his 6-foot, 183-pound frame before camp. “I think for me, it’s putting on weight,” he said. “Working on explosiveness, getting faster and stronger… get ready to play a full NHL season.” Wild GM Bill Guerin believes he’s on the right track. “Zeev is a young guy that we’ve all seen what he’s capable of,” Guerin said. “He’s one of those young pieces of talent we’re very excited to see make a push and have an impact on the team.”After a year packed with milestones and championships, Buium’s hunger to succeed at the NHL level has only grown. “Losing in the Frozen Four put into perspective how hard it is,” he said. “It makes me more grateful… and realize how much more I want it.”Also Read: Winnipeg Jets sign Gabriel Vilardi to $45M deal—blockbuster trade pays off after breakout NHL season