Article: Zeev Buium Is A Flawed But NHL-Ready Player

[mnfaninnc]

1 hour ago, MNCountryLife said:

I think Zeev will surprise quite a few people as to just how good this kid really is.  The article was accurate when it stated that Zeev was the best player on the ice almost every game.  He will make mistakes but I have high hopes.  To truly develop players you have to allow them to make mistakes and give them lots of minutes.  Those that learn, improve and get better... you keep.   Those that stagnate and consistently repeat mistakes you trade away.

and why wouldn't we think that Buium could make the jump? He did that last season coming into the college ranks as a 17 year old and just led the league in TOI and points for a defender. They say he's the best guy on the ice this year in just about every game. It appears that he is ready for another jump.

[mnfaninnc]

1 hour ago, Enforceror said:

Doesn't appear that they feel simmering is needed with Z-boo.

I hadn't thought about Z-Boo as a nickname, kind of sounds like Zebra. Could we just call him Zebra?

[Protec]

The Legion of Doom might suggest the nickname, Zubaz. 😁

Edited Monday at 07:27 PM by Protec

[Imyourhuckleberry]

54 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

Would the Wild put Yurov and OgZ out on the ice in the playoffs? At this point I simply just don't know. Maybe Guerin would want them to experience playoff hockey, though I'm sure the Gagarin Cup is pretty competitive. 

You can make an argument for or against this, but we're not in charge, Guerin is. If he's going all in on Buium, why not do it with Yurov too? 

Assuming no injuries, I wouldn't expect to see either.  Yurov is still under KHL contract, so pretty substantial difference to me compared to Buium beyond just Buium being healthy rather than coming back from ankle surgery.

Don't know how much Yurov has been paying attention to Wild hockey during his season. Buium indicated that he was watching around 90% of the Wild games and no language barriers to be concerned about for him jumping in and communicating with his linemates or coaches.

Ohgren would be much more likely to join the Wild in the postseason given his familiarity with the team along with being healthy and already under contract. The Iowa Wild have missed the playoffs officially now despite a couple points from Ohgren in their last game--Mason Shaw scored the goal against to seal their fate.

[Mateo3xm]

On 4/13/2025 at 3:35 PM, Neutral Zone Dangles said:

He never said they had to be “extremely physical”. What are you on about. If you think NCAA and NHL are on the same level for physicality you’re a bit off.  He was expressing his curiosity with Buium’s adaption to NHL play. 
 

I got it, you’re a Rossi fan boi, fight a different battle, clearly you won’t win the physical one. 

You must be Pewters significant other? What am I on about? Do you even realize the word salad you posted above? I don’t think anyone here has a clue what the hell you're even on about. What does Rossi have to do with anything in these comments or article? lol 

[RedLake]

I wanna see Zeev play 25 minutes tomorrow night and plant him on PP1. If it sticks then it's one Hellva draft pick. Watched the Ducks last night they looked pretty good actually. Could see them fighting for a wildcard next year.

[1Brotherbill]

On 4/13/2025 at 10:44 AM, TCMooch said:

Seems stupid to burn a year off his entry level contract for a handful of games. Also he may be offensively ready but I believe he will need a lot more seasoning on the defensive side.

if people are expecting a Brock Faber type run like last year with Zeev this year I think they are going to be disappointed.

The ELC doesn't get burned until 10 NHL games are played, which include playoff games.  So, this is a pickle for the Wild being that Spurgeon got hit in the throat and Chisholm is injured they pretty much have to roll with Buium in the playoffs.  They are going to play him on Tuesday so that leaves 9 games left. If the first round goes 7 games that would leave 1 game left to decide on burning the contract.  If the first round goes less than 7 they have more games to decide on burning the contract.  I say if the make it to the second round burn the contract. 

On paper the playoffs get easier as they go.  The first round will probably be the toughest matchup.  

[MacGyver]

15 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

I hadn't thought about Z-Boo as a nickname, kind of sounds like Zebra. Could we just call him Zebra?

I have an idea! Let's call him Zeev Buium! Or just Zeev or just Buium. I find these cutesy pet names the most annoying thing about hockey. I'm still trying to figure out who Crotty is! I'm guilty on occasion of using them myself but its like if I use their real name no one will know who I'm talking about. I am happy JoJo went to NoJo. As a grown man I just couldn't bring myself to refer to another grown man as JoJo. 🤣

[Dango]

Auston Mathews will get paid 161,580 for his last game of the season , Zeev will get paid 967,000 thats mors .more than Mathews ,Mcdavid, Mackinnon , Kaprizov, Deraisitll  combined  .  LOL  .

[Protec]

It's really a perfect situation.  

Zubaz shows up hot off high-level NCAA success with phenomenal resume while MN is depleted on the back end due to injuries. Nobody in IA is blowing doors to have earned a spot ahead of a 12th overall pick who set NCAA records and was preceded by Hughes, Faber, Fox, and Makar type guys who could play at 18-19yo. 

Now, Zeev can be relieved of pressure put on by getting him in when he's needed as a replacement because any shortfalls or learning curve has a built in justification. He'd not overstepping or taking the place of a veteran who can be sour grapes or another prospect which could brew resentment. Even Jiricek is hurt. 

Faber's beginning was born out of necessity the same way after a Final Four loss in OT. This is a good deal for both sides and one that has been in the works all year. I think it will challenge Chisholm and potentially better the PP overall. If the season ends poorly overall, Buium isn't to blame and GMBG can better tweak his off-season strategy knowing what Buium looks like as an NHL defender. Especially if MN plays one of the top teams. 

[Protec]

17 minutes ago, MacGyver said:

I have an idea! Let's call him Zeev Buium! Or just Zeev or just Buium. I find these cutesy pet names the most annoying thing about hockey. I'm still trying to figure out who Crotty is! I'm guilty on occasion of using them myself but its like if I use their real name no one will know who I'm talking about. I am happy JoJo went to NoJo. As a grown man I just couldn't bring myself to refer to another grown man as JoJo. 🤣

True fact, even NoJo's nicknames suck. You're right though, if a guy has a short enough name, you don't need a nickname but making them up is fun. Just try it. MN got the Gunnarwolfe in Iowa which must be abbreviated and the Norwegian Hobbit goes back almost seven years along with Lizard. 

Some of my favorites over the years have been Hotdog Spokesman, Sturmacidal Lube, Knudi, all were pretty fun names for guys we liked or not. You'll have to endure more goofiness from the group I'm afraid.

 😁

[Neutral Zone Dangles]

13 hours ago, Mateo3xm said:

You must be Pewters significant other? What am I on about? Do you even realize the word salad you posted above? I don’t think anyone here has a clue what the hell you're even on about. What does Rossi have to do with anything in these comments or article? lol 

Still better than your shit takes lmao

[Pewterschmidt]

21 minutes ago, Neutral Zone Dangles said:

Still better than your shit takes lmao

Nordy and I have been in a monogamous supportive and caring relationship since the Wild’s inception.  

[Neutral Zone Dangles]

3 minutes ago, Pewterschmidt said:

Nordy and I have been in a monogamous supportive and caring relationship since the Wild’s inception.  

And I would never dare come between your guys’ happiness. Joy and prosperity to you both. 

[MacGyver]

59 minutes ago, Protec said:

You'll have to endure more goofiness from the group I'm afraid.

 😁

Oh I'm sure of that and I know it won't change. I'm not against having fun and when we were kids everyone had a nickname. I grew up and now I find it odd and weird coming from adults. That's just me.   I'm probably older than most on this board so that may explain it. 

[Trade Deadline Hero]

13 hours ago, Mateo3xm said:

You must be Pewters significant other? What am I on about? Do you even realize the word salad you posted above? I don’t think anyone here has a clue what the hell you're even on about. What does Rossi have to do with anything in these comments or article? lol 

How was Pewter ripping on prospects or Dangles highlighting the physicality difference between the NCAA vs NHL word salad?

Maybe reading comprehension’s not your thing. It’s ok. We all have our strengths. You made it clear, size doesn’t matter to you. You may even prefer them small. No shame here.😉

And Pewter, blessings to you and Nordy. We’re all rooting for you. 

[M_Nels]

9 hours ago, 1Brotherbill said:

They are going to play him on Tuesday so that leaves 9 games left.

Has there been any confirmation yet? Billy said the kids going to play but Hynes sounded more coy and didn't confirm he's in the lineup. I'd imagine Billy would trump Hynes in this situation but who knows.

I want to see the kid play! Still haven't heard on Mids status for tonight either but if he can't go you gotta think Zeev slots in for Chisholm regardless. If Mids does come back I hope Hynes sits Merrill. I know Merrill has had an admirable season but c'mon lets see what Zeev can do.

[Imyourhuckleberry]

16 hours ago, RedLake said:

I wanna see Zeev play 25 minutes tomorrow night and plant him on PP1. If it sticks then it's one Hellva draft pick. Watched the Ducks last night they looked pretty good actually. Could see them fighting for a wildcard next year.

I don't think they'll play Buium over 21 minutes, but he might get a little power play time, assuming the Ducks commit some penalties.

The Ducks have quite a bit of young talent, with Mason McTavish, Cutter Gauthier, and Leo Carlson up front. They'll add Beckett Sennecke in the not too distant future. They also have a couple of solid young defenders and grabbed Stian Solberg at #23 last year.

Anaheim is likely a few years away from contending for the top of the conference, but hitting on top 10 talent in 4 consecutive drafts should start to show some real dividends in a year or two.  The last top 10 pick they missed on(Drysdale), they simply traded to the Flyers with a 2nd round pick for Gauthier.

They don't have an elite scorer right now, but looks like they have about 7 guys capable of putting up 20 goals(if we include Zegras), which isn't bad, and 3 of those guys are 22 or younger.

[Up North Guy]

11 hours ago, 1Brotherbill said:

The ELC doesn't get burned until 10 NHL games are played, which include playoff games.  So, this is a pickle for the Wild being that Spurgeon got hit in the throat and Chisholm is injured they pretty much have to roll with Buium in the playoffs.  They are going to play him on Tuesday so that leaves 9 games left. If the first round goes 7 games that would leave 1 game left to decide on burning the contract.  If the first round goes less than 7 they have more games to decide on burning the contract.  I say if the make it to the second round burn the contract. 

On paper the playoffs get easier as they go.  The first round will probably be the toughest matchup.  

Just announced on KFAN that Spurgy and Miss return tonight and Zeev in't playing. He may get the pregame warm-up just in case one of the others goes out. If the Wild had already clinched I am sure he would have played. On top of that he has only had one practice and that was an optional where only ten players participated.

[M_Nels]

55 minutes ago, Up North Guy said:

Just announced on KFAN that Spurgy and Miss return tonight and Zeev in't playing. He may get the pregame warm-up just in case one of the others goes out. If the Wild had already clinched I am sure he would have played. On top of that he has only had one practice and that was an optional where only ten players participated.

I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed. I can understand the rationale behind it but I really wanted to see the kid play.

[Trade Deadline Hero]

1 hour ago, Up North Guy said:

Just announced on KFAN that Spurgy and Miss return tonight and Zeev in't playing. He may get the pregame warm-up just in case one of the others goes out. If the Wild had already clinched I am sure he would have played. On top of that he has only had one practice and that was an optional where only ten players participated.

Waiiiittt, how is he going to save the Wild’s season and end world hunger if he doesn’t play tonight?!

[RedLake]

Buuim demand a trade outta Merill Country.