### Zeev Buium: From NCAA Star to NHL Playoff Debut - Zeev Buium, a 19-year-old defenseman, recently transitioned from a promising collegiate career with the University of Denver to making his NHL debut with the Minnesota Wild during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Just days after competing in the NCAA Frozen Four, Buium signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Wild, marking a significant step in his hockey career. His rapid ascent highlights his talent and readiness for high-stakes competition, as he becomes the first player in Wild history to debut in a playoff game [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6292873/2025/04/19/wild-prospect-zeev-buium-nhl-playoffs]. ### Overview of Buium's Journey and NHL Debut 1. **Collegiate Success**: Buium had an impressive season with the Denver Pioneers, finishing with 48 points (13 goals, 35 assists) in 41 games, and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as one of the top players in college hockey [https://www.espn.co.uk/nhl/story/_/id/44665002/denver-defenseman-zeev-buium-19-signs-minnesota-wild]. 2. **Signing with the Wild**: After Denver's exit from the NCAA tournament, Buium signed with the Minnesota Wild on April 14, 2025, allowing him to join the team for the playoffs [https://www.nhl.com/news/zeev-buium-signs-entry-level-contract-with-minnesota-wild]. 3. **NHL Debut**: Buium made his NHL debut on April 20, 2025, in Game 1 of the Western Conference playoffs against the Vegas Golden Knights, where he played for 13 minutes and 27 seconds [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nhl/news/first-nhl-game-and-its-in-the-stanley-cup-playoffs-zeev-buium-spends-13-minutes-and-27-seconds-on-the-ice/articleshow/120520410.cms]. 4. **Coaching Support**: Wild head coach John Hynes expressed confidence in Buium's abilities, noting his competitive nature and intelligence on the ice, which made him a valuable addition to the team [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/wilds_zeev_buium_to_make_debut_in_game_1_versus_golden_knights/s1_16958_42079166]. ### Key Metrics and Performance Indicators - **Collegiate Stats**: - **Games Played**: 41 - **Goals**: 13 - **Assists**: 35 - **Total Points**: 48 - **Average Ice Time**: Over 27 minutes per game [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/wild_sign_zeev_buium_to_three_year_entry_level_contract/s1_16958_42045896]. - **NHL Debut**: - **Date**: April 20, 2025 - **Opponent**: Vegas Golden Knights - **Ice Time**: 13 minutes and 27 seconds [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nhl/news/first-nhl-game-and-its-in-the-stanley-cup-playoffs-zeev-buium-spends-13-minutes-and-27-seconds-on-the-ice/articleshow/120520410.cms]. ### Conclusion: A Promising Start for Buium in the NHL - **Buium's Transition**: His swift move from college hockey to the NHL playoffs underscores his readiness and potential impact on the Wild's postseason efforts. - **Future Outlook**: With a strong collegiate background and the support of his coaching staff, Buium is poised to make significant contributions to the Wild as they navigate the playoffs. His debut not only marks a personal milestone but also sets a precedent for future players in the franchise [https://apnews.com/article/buium-wild-golden-knights-nhl-playoffs-frozen-four-denver-8661578fa6214746dbd343531a922bfa].