Buium is one of the best prospects in the sport, regardless of position. He is a dynamic skater and one of the most impactful puck movers in hockey. He will absolutely start the year with the Wild and certainly be given every opportunity to showcase what he can do. Buium has not played a regular season game, only joining the club for four playoff games. The only question after his dominant career at the University of Denver was how he would adjust to NHL action and speed. In the playoffs against a hard-to-play-against Vegas Golden Knights, Buium quickly put those questions to bed. Buium has certainly risen to the top of the Wild’s prospect list, but also near the top of the league-wide prospect rankings.

The Minnesota Wild signed Buium to a three-year, entry-level contract on April 13, 2025; he could make his NHL debut against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

Buium was selected 12th overall by the Wild.

With all the hype in the NCAA regarding Celebrini and Levshunov, it’s easy to forget Zeev Buium is also playing there. It’s a shame because he’s been fantastic since arriving. His trademark mobility is as present as ever, and he now employs multiple layers of deception at numerous levels. Whether it’s his evasiveness in transition or his speed on the rush, very little can keep Buium from where he wants to go on the ice. His passing game is remarkable, as he can identify soft ice regularly, even at this intermediate level. However, much of this was already well-documented; what isn’t how well he evolved defensively. He has become a rather proficient stick-checker and much better at anticipating play. When he is being beaten, it’s usually a matter of pure athleticism as he plays exclusively against older, bigger men, a task hard enough before his relatively slim 5-11 165lb frame is considered. He has plenty of time to get there, and he looks plenty impressive as is. If he continues this path, he can make his placement on draft day tough conversation. (November Rankings: 21st Overall)