Zeev Buium: Getting to Know the Newest Member of the Minnesota Wild !

Zeev Buium is a left-shot defenseman who stands 6 feet tall and weighs 185 pounds. He was drafted 12th overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2024 During the 2024-2025 NCAA season with the University of Denver, he posted an outstanding stat line of 13 goals and 39 assists for a total of 48 points in 41 games. His production was historic in 2023-2024 (50 points in 42 games), marking the highest point total for a freshman defenseman at Denver since the 1983-84 season. His offensive output, coupled with his composure and maturity on the ice, positioned him as one of the top young defensemen in his draft class. .

Zeev Buium: in-depth analysis

Zeev Buium is widely recognized for his fluid skating and impressive mobility, which are core to his playing identity. His ability to accelerate, pivot, and transition quickly enables him to evade pressure and effectively transport the puck through the neutral zone. His agility is one of his standout traits and allows him to maintain a strong presence in both the offensive and defensive zones. Over the course of the season in his draft year, his lateral movement and pivoting improved significantly, helping him escape forecheckers and initiate breakouts with confidence. He consistently stays in motion, ensuring he’s always an option to support plays or stretch the ice.

One of Buium’s most distinctive attributes is his capacity to manage the puck under pressure. He doesn’t panic when being forechecked and exhibits the poise to execute precise plays even in tight spaces. He uses his vision and intelligence to open up lanes and orchestrate controlled exits, often acting as the primary puck-mover from the back end. His ability to read opposing systems and choose the right moments to jump into the play without compromising defensive coverage makes him an impactful two-way presence.

A challenge on a physical level?

Defensively, Zeev Buium is not known for physical dominance, but he compensates with positioning, stickwork, and anticipation. He doesn’t throw many heavy hits, but his game doesn’t require it; instead, he relies on smart reads to break up plays and recover pucks. His timing on challenges is sharp, and he understands how to angle opponents away from dangerous areas. Zeev Buium brings a cerebral approach to defending, which allows him to neutralize threats efficiently without overcommitting or getting out of position. We may see him throwing some body checks in NCAA, because he’s tenacious to get the puck. It’s something he’s approved since his draft year as he gained confidence in that aspect. He still has some difficulties clearing the front of the net.

Intelligence is key

In offensive situations, Zeev Buium is involved and confident. While he doesn’t always play the role of a flashy power-play quarterback, he can contribute by maintaining puck movement and supporting from the blue line. He excels at making quick decisions, whether it’s threading a pass through traffic or stepping into a shooting lane. He often finds soft spots to release accurate wrist shots and is unafraid to hold the puck in high-risk areas if he believes it will lead to a scoring chance. However, he doesn’t always have the hardest shot, so he often opts for smart placement over pure power.

One area in which Buium showed growth during the season was in asserting himself more offensively. At the beginning of the year, he was less confident activating from the blue line, but by the end of the campaign, he was joining the rush and creating chaos for opposing defenses. His style remains calculated rather than aggressive, but the evolution of his confidence has expanded his impact in the offensive zone.

Buium’s versatility is also notable. He can be deployed in a variety of roles and situations, whether on the penalty kill, power play, or even-strength scenarios. His ability to adapt and contribute in multiple facets of the game makes him a valuable asset. Though not an overly dynamic game-breaker, his high hockey IQ, clean execution, and mobility create a solid foundation for long-term success. His profile fits the modern NHL mold of defensemen who can skate, think, and move the puck effectively under pressure.

NHL Projection

In my opinion, Zeev Buium can aspire to a top-four role and patrol the power play on a second unit. He may not be the one to often finish plays offensively, but he can easily feed teammates to advance the play both in transition and in the offensive zone. Additionally, he has played on the penalty kill and performs well in that role. Buium’s versatility makes his profile very appealing.