The Minnesota Wild selected Zeev Buium with the 12th overall pick.
The Minnesota Wild think they got a steal with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft. They traded a third-round pick just to move up one spot from 13 to 12 to take Zeev Buium.
"When you draft kids you certainly want them to play to their strengths and play to their gifts because that's the type of player you want them to be. That's what gives them confidence and what allows them to get better and develop," Wild Director of Player Development Brad Bombardir said. "But you want to put him in situations where he can use his abilities and skills and that's what we'll definitely do. I know the coaching staff at DU has done a phenomenal job with him. Obviously they do a great job that coaching staff and they'll continue to do the same thing."
As a freshman in college, Buium recorded 50 points which is an incredible feat for any college freshman. But he did it as a defenseman.
"I think that's what drives him as a player and drives his success. He should be confident. All he's done is win, especially in our building, too, which is kind of nice. Hopefully that continues," Bombardir said.
"He can create offense from little small areas that sometimes for other players plays die. He keeps plays alive and drives play that way. He had a heck of a year. For a freshman at that age to do that in college hockey is pretty impressive."
The 6-foot defender won a Gold Medal in the middle of his college season with team USA at the U20 WJC. He returned to college with Denver and won the NCHC championship and the National Championship.
Both the NCHC and the National Championship were played at the Wild's home rink.
"Yeah I think it’s really cool. I mean, we won the NCHC too in their building as well so, two championships in four games feels pretty good so, yeah, I mean it’s awesome," Buium said. "It’s a great start I feel like and hopefully it keeps building up."
Buium, 18, will go back to Denver University for his sophomore season. It could be his last season in college though as the Wild think the young defenseman is close to being NHL ready.
"He's actually pretty close. He's fairly close. Time will tell," Bombardir said on Buium. "Usually I would say my answer is always this: You allow the player to decide that with their play and their preparation. When they're ready to jump they'll make the job and we'll be there to support them in that."
Whether he makes the jump or not, Wild fans and possibly management are dreaming of Buium playing with Brock Faber for years and years to come.
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