Zeev Buium Starting Career Comparable to Cale Makar

That's Wild

No one truly expected Minnesota Wild rookie Zeev Buium to score a boatload of points in his first ever regular season games. Especially after he somewhat faltered during his debut in the playoffs last season, Buium was largely seen as someone who might need a few weeks to get the feel of playing in the NHL after being one of the best defensemen in college hockey.

Well, he's surpassed those expectations. Buium has five points in his first four games and is quarterbacking the Wild's power play to a historic start as they are miles ahead of any other team with 10 power-play goals scored already. But it's not just any start, it's something the NHL hasn't seen from a rookie defenseman since Cale Makar entered the league.

In his first four regular season games back in 2019, Makar had five assists and zero goals. Are we maybe going to argue that Buium's one goal and four assists is more impressive? Maybe. Maybe. 

Add in the fact that Buium's start and trajectory is starting to look a lot like Montreal Canadiens stud blueliner Lane Hutson, and we're getting even more excited.

• The Wild are loving what they're seeing from Buium, but what about the other rookies? It's difficult starting a season with several newcomers on the team, trying to just get a footing in the NHL. [Hockey Wilderness]
• Jake Middleton (legally) injured Matt Duchene. The Stars-Wild rivalry is igniting. [Pioneer Press]

Off the trail...

• Some Oilers fans and media are dreaming of a situation where they can pry Sabres winger Alex Tuch out of Buffalo. [Edmonton Journal]
• Losing captain Brady Tkachuk is proving to be a massive test early in their season. [Sportsnet]