It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, the rumours have yet to slow down. Teams are still working on their rosters as we approach the start of the post-season in a couple of weeks. We’ve already seen a number of prospects from Russian and the NCAA sign deals. However, more could be coming soon. One team that could be adding a highly-touted prospect is the Minnesota Wild. This edition of NHL rumours deals with when that could happen.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Minnesota Wild Hoping to Bring Defensive Prospect Soon
Rumour: Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic talked about when the Wild could sign prospect Zeev Buium.
Analysis: Buium is one of Minnesota’s highest-rated prospects and is vying for his second straight NCAA men’s Division I title. The Denver University standout is a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award and helped Team USA win back-to-back gold medals at the IIHF World Juniors.
There really isn’t a lot left for Buium to do at the collegiate level. This means he’ll likely sign his entry-level deal once the Pioneers’ season comes to an end this weekend. The 19-year-old’s first priority seems to be locking up another national title. However, his sophomore season looks to be his last in college.
His 13 goals and 48 points are among the best at the NCAA level and it seems he’s ready for the next step. Buium has racked up a ton of NCHC and national honours in his time at the college level. It’s the next logical step for him no matter what happens this weekend at the Frozen Four.
What It Means
However, one wonders if he’ll immediately slot into the lineup. Minnesota does hold the second wild card spot in the Western Conference. However, they still haven’t officially clinched a spot with the Calgary Flames four points behind.
One wonders what Buium’s place in the lineup will be once he signs his deal. The Wild would love to clinch a post-season spot before getting him into the lineup. Clinching a post-season spot will give head coach John Hynes a chance to get a look at Buium. It would also be an opportunity to rest Jonas Brodin or Jared Spurgeon before the end of the season.
The Wild also have to factor in if Jake Middleton is back from an upper-body injury. Buium could slot into that spot if the Wild want to also rest Middleton before the end of the season. One would think Buium could be on the third pairing, but Jon Merrill and Zach Bogosian have their respective places in the lineup.
Brock Faber is a player that came from the college ranks after a lot of hype. Faber has taken to the pro game and earned himself a massive contract. Buium and Faber could be the cornerstones of a defensive unit that could give a lot of clubs headaches in the coming seasons.
Main photo by: Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Images
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