Zeev Buium leads Denver back to Frozen Four: When will he make Wild debut?

That came after Buium scored a goal and dished out two assists in a 5-1 regional semifinal win over Providence on Friday. He was by far the best player on the ice in both regional games, and he's a major reason why Denver could repeat as national champions this year.

Buium, a left-shot defenseman, has scored 13 goals and 48 points across 40 games this season as a 19-year-old sophomore. He also has 48 blocked shots. He had 25 points in 24 games last season as one of the youngest players in all of NCAA Division I hockey, and he's had an even stronger second year with Denver. Buium is a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the best player in college hockey.

The Wild struck gold when Buium fell to them with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. He's emerged as one of the top prospects in the country and looks ready to join Minnesota and make his NHL debut once Denver's season ends — assuming that's the decision he chooses to make.

When could he potentially sign his entry-level contract and join the Wild? Buium and the Pioneers will take on Western Michigan in the national semifinals in St. Louis on April 10. That should be quite the matchup; WMU beat Denver 4-3 in double overtime in the NCHC Frozen Faceoff championship on March 22.

If Denver wins that game, it'll play the winner of Penn State and Boston University in the title game on April 12. The Wild are on the road in Calgary and Vancouver on April 11 and 12, so it seems unlikely that Buium would debut in either of those games even if the Pioneers lose in the semifinals.

More likely is Buium making his NHL debut in the Wild's regular season finale at Xcel Energy Center on April 15. That game is against the Anaheim Ducks. He'd then be available for the postseason, assuming Minnesota holds on and gets there. With very little left to prove at the collegiate level, there appears to be a very strong chance Buium chooses to ink his first NHL deal in a couple weeks.

With his skating and playmaking ability, he should instantly provide a spark to the Wild, even at 19 years old and without any NHL experience. Looking into the future, Buium appears to be a major building block for Minnesota for years and years to come.