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Minnesota Wild Sign Top Defenceman Prospect to ELC

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Minnesota Wild sign top prospect Zeev Buium after standout season at Denver University. With this move, the club is adding high-upside talent to their blueline.

 

Minnesota Wild Sign Zeev Buium to Entry-Level Contract

The Minnesota Wild made a major move for their future on Sunday. Signing defenceman Zeev Buium to his entry-level contract following the conclusion of his collegiate season with the University of Denver. With Denver’s season now over, the Wild wasted little time locking in one of the NCAA’s most dynamic blue line talents. Buium, a 2024 first-round pick (12th overall), has officially joined the Wild organization with the signing of his first pro contract.

The 19-year-old from Southern California becomes the latest high-profile college defenceman to make the jump to the NHL ranks, following in the footsteps of teammate Brock Faber — who signed with the Wild after his standout career at the University of Minnesota.

Buium Joins Wild After Dominant Sophomore Year

Buium just wrapped up a sensational sophomore campaign, helping Denver reach the Frozen Four. In their regional final against No. 1 Boston College, he scored an empty-netter to seal a 3–1 victory, solidifying his impact in high-leverage moments. The defending champions were subsequently bounced from the tournament by Western Michigan in the first Frozen Four semifinal. Buium was a bit unlucky as his poke check ended up on the stick of Owen Michaels. Michaels proceeded to go top shelf and likely end Buium’s college career.

Buium also ends his college career as a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. That is for college hockey’s most prestigious individual honour, alongside Ryan Leonard and Isaac Howard. Howard won the award, but as the only defenseman among the three, Buium can confidently claim to be the best defenseman in college hockey this season.

Known for his smooth skating, elite hockey IQ, and poise under pressure, Buium dominated college hockey. His ability to control play from the back end has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s top modern defensemen. He also finished as the highest scoring U20 player in NCAA history.

What This Means for Minnesota

While it remains to be seen if Buium will get into NHL games this season, the Wild now have the option to bring him into the fold immediately or start him with the Iowa Wild in the AHL. Either route would mark the beginning of a professional development path filled with promise.

Minnesota isn’t just adding a blue-chip name, they’re adding someone who could become a foundational piece of their defence. Though his role is still somewhat undefined, there’s a growing sense that the Wild may have landed a steal with the 12th overall pick in 2024. Either way, his skill set fits perfectly with the NHL’s fast, puck-moving style, and his upside is undeniable.

For a franchise looking to bolster its next generation on the blue line, this signing is a major step forward.

Main Photo: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

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