The Minnesota Wild find themselves in a favorable position regarding their potential to reach the Stanley Cup playoffs. With 81 games behind them, their record stands at 44-30-7, accumulating 95 points in the Western Conference. If they maintain this positive momentum, they are poised to advance to the next round after the regular season. Nonetheless, several key players remain sidelined due to injuries, creating a chance for an emerging talent in the hockey scene.

On X, the Minnesota Wild announced, “WELCOME TO THE WILD ZEEV.” Zeev Buium has swiftly climbed the hockey hierarchy, moving from an impressive collegiate defenseman to an emerging NHL prospect. Born on December 7, 2005, in San Diego, California, Buium developed his talents at Shattuck-St. Mary’s and through the U.S. National Team Development Program prior to his commitment to the University of Denver.

In his inaugural season (2023–24), he topped the NCAA defensemen charts with an impressive 50 points (11 goals, 39 assists) across 42 games, marking the first time in more than twenty years that a freshman defenseman has reached this milestone. His outstanding performance played a crucial role in Denver clinching its 10th national championship, and he received recognition such as NCHC Rookie of the Year and AHCA First Team All-American honors.

On April 13, 2025, he officially inked a three-year, entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild, with expectations mounting for his NHL debut in the regular-season finale against the Anaheim Ducks.

With the Wild facing significant injuries on defense, Buium’s addition to the lineup comes at a crucial moment, potentially influencing the team’s chances for a playoff run. What are the thoughts of the Wild’s fans regarding this signing?

Happy for him getting a chance with the Minnesota Wild

It’s a rare occasion when a team such as the Minnesota Wild secures a top hockey prospect. With palpable enthusiasm, this fan expressed, “I’m not a Wild fan at all but saw this kid play in the frozen four and the move he made the other night on a Dman cutting to the net was insane. He almost scored after the inside out move to. Excited to see him play.”

Buium stands out as a talented two-way defenseman, celebrated for his remarkable skating ability, sharp hockey intelligence, and offensive skills. At a height of 6’0″ and a weight of 183 lbs, he showcases a blend of agility and impressive puck-handling skills, establishing himself as a significant force on the ice. Recognizing his worth, another supporter commented, “Damn right he’s a beast! He goes and can’t be stopped!” In a similar vein, this fan expressed their enthusiasm, saying, “Very excited for this signing. Welcome Zeev!”

This is undoubtedly a significant signing, and one fan remarked, “LEAGUE IS SHAKING.” Recall the remarks made by GM Bill Guerin regarding him? “There’s a lot to like about him. His skill, puck-moving ability, hockey sense, character, he’s got a winning pedigree — there’s a lot to like.” He was filled with nothing but enthusiasm for the hockey prospect.

In a similar vein, another enthusiast expressed their enthusiasm, remarking, “The kid is a special special player.” The upcoming match between the Wild and the Ducks is just a few days away. There remains ample opportunity for the 19-year-old to hone his skills and display his abilities on the NHL stage.