Zeev Buium may arrive in time to save the Wild's season.
One of the hottest prospects in college hockey is set to make his NHL debut sooner than expected.
The Minnesota Wild are in a desperate fight for their playoff lives and help might actually be on the way.
For weeks now fans in Minnesota have been eagerly awaiting news regarding prospect Zeev Buium, a player that the Wild selected in the first round (12th overall) of the 2024 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Buium is viewed as one of the organization's top prospects and is coming off of two terrific back to back seasons with the University of Denver, so it makes sense that fans have been excited.
Well on Saturday night, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that Buium and the Wild were very close to signing on the dotted line when it comes to Buium's entry level contract, and that is exactly what has now transpired.
Friedman also pointed out that Buium could be in the lineup for the Wild's final game of the regular season, a game that will be held this coming Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks.
This could potentially be a huge game for the Wild and by extension a big stage for Buium to make his debut on. The Wild are currently still in danger of missing the Stanley Cup playoffs, although it would require the Calgary Flames winning all 3 of their remaining games to overtake them. The Wild could secure their path to the Stanley Cup playoffs with a win over the Ducks however, making Buium's debut game potentially the most important game of the year for the franchise.
Buium had 13 goals and 35 assists for 48 points in just 41 games as a defenseman for the University of Denver, and only time will tell if he can translate those skills to the NHL level.
He certainly looks ready.
