Whereas the beginning of the NHL season remains to be effectively over a month away, there can be a hockey-related occasion taking place subsequent week because the NHLPA/Higher Deck hosts their Rookie Showcase on Wednesday, September 3, in Arlington, Virginia, on the observe facility for the Washington Capitals. This occasion is held primarily so gamers can get their photos taken for hockey playing cards and meet different rookies.
Associated: Wild 2024-25 Report Playing cards: Gustavsson & Fleury
The Minnesota Wild have one participant headed to the showcase this 12 months, and that’s Zeev Buium. He had a brief stint with the Wild throughout their postseason run this previous season, however hasn’t had any regular-season motion but. He can be trying to earn a full-time slot this coming season.
Buium Could be Elite
The Wild knew what they have been getting after they moved up within the 2024 NHL Draft to select Zeev Buium with the twelfth total decide within the first spherical. Their protection wanted one other younger prospect who can carry them sooner or later, and Buium is that. He hasn’t had time to show himself but, however he’s nonetheless a rookie with loads of time.
He’s a wise, heads-up participant who has room for enchancment on his defensive expertise, however isn’t afraid to attempt issues on the offensive aspect. Within the 4 video games he performed for the Wild this previous postseason, he had three hits and one blocked shot, however he additionally had 4 giveaways, one thing that may should be fastened going ahead. Buium additionally had one help and two photographs on purpose.
The Wild have Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin, Jake Middleton, and Brock Faber of their high 4; nonetheless, Brodin can be out to start out the season. Spurgeon struggles to remain wholesome, which supplies Buium an opportunity to work his means into the lineup. In addition they have Zach Bogosian nonetheless beneath contract, according to PuckPedia, in addition to David Jiříček, who can be trying to get a spot as effectively.
Buium should up his sport and discover methods to enhance if he needs to beat out others for a spot. He has lots of potential and exhibits no nerves in his sport, which is a plus. Many rookies make errors due to their nerves, however he has a bonus and appears comfy in his sport. Not fairly as comfy as Faber in his debut, however shut. Hopefully, this showcase will simply be the beginning of a robust profession for Buium with much more photograph ops for hockey playing cards as effectively.
