ST. PAUL, Minn. — Zeev Buium was giving his first interview as a Minnesota Wild player on Monday when a practice jersey unexpectedly flew over reporters and cameras, landing right in his face.
The young defenseman paused, smiled broadly, and remained composed as he continued the interview. While his NHL performance is still ahead, this first-round 2024 draft pick with a unique name and path to hockey seems well-prepared for the challenges.
After winning the NCAA championship with Denver as a freshman and returning to the Frozen Four last weekend, Buium decided to turn pro after two college seasons and join Minnesota. He signed his first NHL contract on Sunday and joined the Wild for practice and meetings on Monday.
“It’s like the first day of school,” commented coach John Hynes.
Buium had emailed his Denver professors to let them know he would be absent this week.
“I felt I wasn’t going to develop much more in college hockey,” said Buium, who was the top-scoring defenseman in the country and a Hobey Baker Award finalist. “I can still get bigger and faster, but taking this step to challenge myself further is the right move now.”
With Wild defenseman Jake Middleton recently injured and Jared Spurgeon also dealing with an injury, Buium could be playing in Tuesday’s crucial game against Anaheim, where a playoff spot is on the line.
“Playing in the NHL is a dream, especially with playoff implications. If I get the chance, I’ll be excited and ready,” Buium stated. “It’s still a bit surreal right now.”
Buium, pronounced BOO-yum, grew up in San Diego after his parents emigrated from Israel in their 20s. They started a heating and air conditioning business. When Zeev and his brothers developed a passion for hockey, his mother drove them to daily practices near Los Angeles, a long round trip, while his father worked.
Buium later attended Shattuck St. Mary’s, a well-known prep school in Minnesota for aspiring NHL players. His brother, Shai Buium, is a Detroit Red Wings prospect in the AHL.
A win against Anaheim on Tuesday secures a playoff spot for the Wild. Overtime would also be enough. However, a regulation loss puts them in a precarious position, depending on the results of St. Louis and Calgary’s games.
Having played in the World Juniors and recently in the NCAA semifinals with Denver, Buium has experience on big stages, which should help him in this new situation.
“He’s a very articulate young man,” said coach Hynes. “He’s been a captain at previous levels. His personality and experience will make this transition smoother.”
