Zeev Buium’s Journey: From ‘Trash Guy’ to Summer Training for His First Full Season with the Wild

Zeev Buium, a promising defenseman for the Minnesota Wild, has transitioned remarkably from his college hockey days to the NHL. At just 19 years old, the two-time world junior gold medalist is focused on making a significant impact in his first full season.

Zeev Buium: From ‘Trash Guy’ to NHL Playmaker

Living with teammate Matt Boldy in the Twin Cities, Buium humorously refers to himself as the “trash guy.” Boldy, 24, is helping Buium adjust to life in the NHL, just as fellow player Jordan Greenway aided Boldy during his rookie season four years ago. This arrangement has eased Buium’s transition off the ice, allowing him to acclimate to new routines and food choices.

Preparing for the Season

• Buium arrived in late July to prepare with teammates and coaching staff.
• He has been assigned the role of quarterback on the Wild’s top power play.
• Buium is expected to pair with team captain Jared Spurgeon.

After a debut in the playoffs last spring, Buium experienced nerves during the preseason. Initially, his performance was shaky, but he gained confidence during a key exhibition game against the Winnipeg Jets. “I’m no longer in awe of the league,” Buium noted. “I feel confident that I can help the team.”

Training and Development

This summer, Buium trained diligently with renowned trainer Chris Phillips in Southern California, adding over 10 pounds of muscle to his frame. He recognized the importance of strength and stability as he prepares for an 82-game season. Buium’s new weight is recorded at 192 pounds, up from 183 the previous season.

• Focus areas included single-leg strength and mobility exercises.
• Buium aimed to maintain speed while increasing strength to compete effectively in the NHL.

Buium noted, “I gained strength and speed without sacrificing my performance.” His training regimen included lower and upper body workouts, emphasizing agility and condition.

Learning from Experience

In last spring’s NHL playoffs, Buium learned valuable lessons about the speed of the game and the importance of precise decision-making. Mistakes are magnified at this level, requiring swift adaptation. The experience solidified his understanding of what it takes to compete.

Teammates like Brock Faber have praised Buium for his remarkable skating abilities. Faber stated, “He’s as special as they get. His edge work is something we don’t see often.” Despite the inevitable mistakes that come with being a rookie, Buium remains determined to become a vital contributor.

Off-Ice Adjustments

Building relationships with veterans has been crucial for Buium’s development. He shares a locker stall with Spurgeon and is close to other seasoned players. “Listening more than talking is key,” he remarked about fitting in as a young player in the NHL.

As the new season opens, Buium looks to move beyond being the “trash guy” and establish himself as a go-to player for the Wild. He stated, “I want to help the team win.” His ambition and dedication will play a significant role in his journey as he begins this new chapter in his career.