SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Wild have officially signed defenseman Zeev Buium to a three-year, entry-level contract, as announced by President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin. The 19-year-old standout will join the team immediately and could make his NHL debut against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday.
Buium’s Collegiate Success
Buium, a Laguna Niguel, California native, had an outstanding sophomore season at the University of Denver, leading all NCAA defensemen in scoring with 48 points (13 goals, 35 assists) in 41 games. He ranked second in the NCAA in assists and third in time-on-ice per game (27:03). His accolades include:
- Hobey Baker Award Finalist
- First Team All-American
- NCHC Player of the Year & Offensive Defenseman of the Year
- Unanimous All-NCHC First Team Selection
International Achievements
Buium played a key role in Team USA’s gold-medal victory at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, tallying six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in seven games. He served as an alternate captain and assisted on the game-winning goal in overtime against Sweden.
Draft & Future with the Wild
Selected 12th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Buium is expected to bring elite offensive skills and defensive reliability to Minnesota’s blue line. He will wear sweater No. 8 with the Wild.
