In Las Vegas, a remarkable debut took place as 19-year-old Zeev Buium stepped onto the ice for the Minnesota Wild in an NHL playoff game just days after helping lead Denver to the NCAA’s Frozen Four championship. Debuting in one of the NHL’s noisiest arenas against the Vegas Golden Knights, he showed poise and skill beyond his years.
Buium, who was selected 12th overall in last year’s NHL draft, had an impressive 13:37 of ice time in a 4-2 loss, playing alongside Zach Bogosian as part of the third defensive pair. Despite the Game 1 defeat in their Western Conference first-round series, Buium’s performance did not go unnoticed by his teammates. The Wild are set to face the Golden Knights again in Game 2 on Tuesday night in Las Vegas.
Wild forward Marcus Foligno admired Buium’s maturity, contrasting it with his own experiences as a young player. “I wasn’t ready when I entered professional hockey, that’s for sure,” Foligno shared. “I needed time in the American Hockey League, and I’m grateful for it. Watching him, it’s clear why he was drafted so high; he’s got that special something,” he added. Foligno praised Buium’s confidence and outstanding skill set, predicting a bright future for the young defenseman.
Buium, reflecting on his debut, felt at ease on the ice in what could be an overwhelming atmosphere. “After my first shift, the nerves just disappeared,” Buium explained. “I anticipated being more nervous.” Coach John Hynes reinforced his faith in the burgeoning talent by involving him during critical late-game moments, as the Wild sought to push the game into overtime.
“You always want to put your team in the best possible position to succeed,” Coach Hynes remarked. “Seeing Zeev handle the pressure was gratifying.” Fellow defenseman Jake Middleton, looking at Buium’s rapid development, couldn’t help but express admiration. “At his age, I wasn’t even leading a power play in junior hockey. It’s clear he’s destined to be extraordinary,” Middleton observed.
Zeev Buium’s debut not only showcased his exceptional talent and potential to the Wild and their fans but also left a lasting impression beyond the box score. As the series continues, more eyes will certainly focus on this young player, eager to witness the next chapter in his promising career.