With Team USA Securing Gold, Is Minnesota Wild Draft Pick Zeev Buium Just What the Defense Needs?

[Yotes4ever]

Team USA successfully defeated Finland to secure Gold and Minnesota Wild draft pick, and defenseman Zeev Buium shined throughout the tournament, including recording the primary assist for the game-winning goal. Buium also had a grand total of five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in the Juniors tournament as well. Is Buium the missing piece the Wild need in their defensive core?

When Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin drafted Buium, he strategically managed to move up and get the twelfth pick in the draft. The rest is history as Guerin selected the Denver Pioneer defensemen at what seemed to be the steal of the draft. Judd Brackett, the director of amateur scouting for the Wild, called Buium a "smooth skating, puck mover with championship pedigree," also noting that they were thrilled to be adding Buium to the organization. (Source: nhl.com) 

Now, the question that comes up is how Buium can help the Wild defensive unit. Well, Buium, for starters, has terrific statistics for the Pioneers, tallying fifty (50) points in his freshman year and currently sits at twenty (20) points as a sophomore as a defenseman. Imagine putting those numbers up in line with another young star, Brock Faber. Buium definitely has what it takes to become a defensive superstar. Buium has the speed and ability to change the outlook of the Wild defense, and if he continues to play how he has, he will fit right in. (Source: hockeydb.com) 

It is important to note that the Wild already have strong defensemen, including Jake Middleton, Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin, and Brock Faber. However, adding Buium could elevate the defensive unit and create more offensive scoring chances for the Wild. Buium has been nothing but fun to watch, and I can not wait to see him hit the ice for the Minnesota Wild.  

[Enforceror]

We definitely have a logjam in the defense department. Great problem to have. Where does Chisolm and Jiricek fit in? 

Faber/Midz

Brodin/Spurg

Chisolm/Buium/Jiricek/Bogo/Lambos

Will Jiricek be content in the AHL? Lambos will probably need more seasoning. Will Buium be NHL ready? Has Chisolm hit his ceiling or is he still growing? Do we resign Bogo for the size? 

[Yotes4ever]

I think you are 100% correct regarding being logjammed with our D-men. For Jiricek, the rumor is it will take around 3-4 years before he becomes an NHL regular; however, that could change. As for Chisholm, I like the guy, and I think he has really stepped up with Middsy and Spurge being injured. With that being said, I could see Chisholm with a full-time roster spot, with Spurge being 35 and Bogo also being 34. I appreciate the comment!