Zeev Buium, the Israeli-American defenseman for the Minnesota Wild, is making strides in his transition to the NHL. Drafted 12th overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Buium is striving to make a significant impact on the team.
Buium's journey to the NHL has been marked by success at various levels. Before turning pro, he played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and the University of Denver. During his time with the Denver Pioneers, Buium showcased his offensive talent, leading all defensemen in scoring during the 2024-25 season with 13 goals and 35 assists in 41 games. His outstanding performance earned him several accolades, including being named to the All-NCHC First Team and NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year for the second consecutive year. He also helped the team win the 2024 NCAA National Championship.
Before joining the Wild, University of Denver coach David Carlie said that the Wild got an absolute steal at 12. He believed that in five years, it would prove to be even more evident in re-drafts.
Buium signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Wild on April 13, 2025. He made his NHL debut in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 1 series against the Vegas Golden Knights on April 20, 2025, becoming the first Minnesota player to debut in the postseason. He recorded his first professional point with an assist in Game 3 against Vegas on April 24, 2025.
In a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in October 2025, Buium recorded his first NHL goal and an assist, marking his first multi-point game. He became the first teenage defenseman in Wild history to achieve this feat. "Yeah, I think it's frustrating. Obviously, scoring feels really good and getting that first one, but at the end of the day you want to compete, and you want to win," Buium said after the game.
Buium also has a record on the international stage. He represented the United States at the IIHF World U18 Championships in 2023, winning a gold medal. He also won gold medals at the 2024 and 2025 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. In the 2025 tournament, he recorded two goals and four assists in seven games.
Described as a cerebral, two-way defenseman and playmaker, Buium's strengths lie in his hockey sense and offensive capabilities. While some have questioned his skating ability and defensive play, many believe he has the potential to be a top-pairing defenseman for the Wild.
As Buium continues his NHL journey, he remains focused on helping the team succeed. "I thought it was like that. I thought it was up at times and down at times. So, I think like every player and like the team it's a work in progress," Wild head coach John Hynes said.
