Minnesota Wild Select Zeev Buium with 12th Overall Selection

Buium played with the Denver Pioneers during the 2023-24 season

The Minnesota Wild have selected Denver Pioneers defenseman Zeev Buium with the 12th overall selection. 

A product of Laguna Niguel, Calif., Buium just wrapped up his freshman season with the Pioneers where he had 11 goals and 39 assists for 50 points in 42 games. 

A smooth-skating, offensive-minded defenseman, Buium spent time with the U.S. National Team Development Program before making the jump to the NCAA.

Alongside a national championship win and leading all NCAA defensemen in points as a freshman, Buium was named NCHC Rookie of the Year, NCHC Best Offensive Defenseman, finished as a Hobey Baker nominee and was named to the NCHC First-All Star Team, All-Rookie Team and All-Tournament Team. 

As Buium joins the Wild organization, he quickly becomes one of their top prospects. Blending smooth skating with a quick processing ability, Buium is a threat whenever he touches the puck. While he could serve to go back to Denver to round out his game, make no mistake, Buium is a future difference maker. 

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