Wild rookie Zeev Buium is already leading the NHL as part of special start to career for Israeli citizen

Billy Heyen

Wild rookie Zeev Buium is already leading the NHL as part of special start to career for Israeli citizen image

Zeev Buium is taking the NHL by storm.

The Minnesota Wild's rookie defenseman has wasted no time proving how special he is on the ice.

He leads all NHL rookies with five points in the early going, including a goal and four assists.

He's also already quarterbacking a powerplay unit that has started the season 10-for-21.

Zeev Buium draft pick

The Minnesota Wild picked Zeev Buium No. 12 overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.

He had just completed his first season at the University of Denver.

After his draft selection, Buium played one more season for Denver before coming to the professional ranks.

MORE: Penn State has a hockey recruit committed who is 7-foot-1

Where is Zeev Buium from?

Zeev Buium was born in San Diego, California.

He's the son of Israeli immigrants, Sorin and Miriam.

Buium is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Israel.

His mother was a professional basketball player, so the athletic genes are definitely there.

Buium's older brother was also an NHL Draft pick, back in 2021 at No. 36 overall by the Detroit Red Wings.

Definitely a sporty family, with Buium proving that he's got the ability to be a great NHL player.

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Billy Heyen

Billy Heyen is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is a 2019 graduate of Syracuse University who has written about many sports and fantasy sports for The Sporting News. Sports reporting work has also appeared in a number of newspapers, including the Sandusky Register and Rochester Democrat & Chronicle