Opens in a new tab
Countdown to Hobey:
DenverYear: 2025See School Profile Page

Sophomore, Defense, San Diego, California

During his collegiate hockey career at the University of Denver from 2023 to 2025, Zeev Buium established himself as one of the most elite and complete defensemen in NCAA hockey. As a freshman in 2023–24, he posted 50 points (11 goals, 39 assists) in 42 games to lead Denver to an NCAA National Championship while capturing NCHC Rookie of the Year, NCHC Best Offensive Defenseman, AHCA First Team All-American honors, and the National Tim Taylor Award as rookie of the year. Returning for his sophomore campaign in 2024–25, Buium continued his high-level play with 48 points (10 goals, 38 assists) in 42 games, earning NCHC First Team All-Star and back-to-back AHCA First Team All-American honors while being named a Top 10 Finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. Off the ice, Buium actively engaged in team-led community and athletic department initiatives throughout his time in Denver, including:

  • Denver Youth Hockey Clinics: Volunteering at regional youth hockey skill practices and development camps in Colorado.
  • Pioneer Athletics Community Outreach: Participating in athletic department community engagement events and visits to local hospitals and schools.
  • Student-Athlete Mentorship: Supporting campus-led charitable drives and youth mentorship programs throughout his two collegiate seasons.
Prior to entering college, Buium spent two seasons in the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP), recording 40 points in 63 games in 2022–23 and winning a gold medal with Team USA at the 2023 IIHF World U18 Championship. Regarded as a premier blue-line prospect, Buium was selected in the first round (12th overall) by the Minnesota Wild in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Internationally, he represented the United States at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, capturing a gold medal and being named to the tournament All-Star Team. Following the conclusion of his sophomore NCAA season with Denver, Buium officially signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild on April 1, 2025, and made his NHL debut before the end of the 2024–25 season.

{post_terms taxonomy=rounds}

Career Stats

Top 10 Finalists