Zeev Buium Fantasy Stats

Minnesota Wild defenseman Zeev Buium (upper body) didn't practice on Friday, Sarah McLellan of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports. The 19-year-old sat out the session after getting hurt during the first day of training camp on Thursday. Wild head coach John Hynes doesn't believe Buium is dealing with a serious issue, so he could still be ready for action when the team starts its preseason slate on Sunday against the Winnipeg Jets. Jonas Brodin (upper body) is expected to miss the start of the season after surgery in the offseason, giving Buium a chance to play a bigger role if he's healthy.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Zeev Buium wants to be a significant contributor on the team next season. "I do think that there is an opportunity for me to step in and be a player on the team," Buium told NHL.com. "And for me, I don't just want to be a guy who's out there -- [I want to] help this team win. So yeah, I'm going to do whatever I can to do that." The 19-year-old made his NHL debut last season, skating in four postseason games. While playing for the University of Denver, he was named the NCHC Player of the Year and the NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year. Buium was a scoring machine with Denver over two seasons, notching 98 points (14 goals, 74 assists) in 83 games. It might take some time before Buium can produce consistent offense at the NHL level, but he certainly has all the tools to become a major asset for the Wild.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Zeev Buium is set to make his NHL debut in Sunday's Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights. The 19-year-old signed an entry-level contract with the team on April 13 after completing his campaign with the University of Denver. Buium had an outstanding college career, registering 98 points (24 goals, 74 assists) in 83 games over two seasons. He received the NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year award in consecutive years and was voted the NCHC Player of the Year this season. Buium, who was the 12th pick in last year's draft, will enter the lineup on the third defensive pairing, joining forces with Zach Bogosian. Jon Merrill will be a healthy scratch on Sunday night.