Zeev Buium started it, but Denver’s hockey program was far from done at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

The Minnesota Wild traded up on spot on Friday, June 28 to pick Buium 12th overall, and in the process the rising sophomore defenseman became the second-highest drafted Pioneer after Craig Redmond (sixth overall in 1984).

He was joined by four incoming freshmen on June 29 — center Jake Fisher, right wing Hagen Burrows, defenseman Tory Pitner and right wing James Reeder. It marked just the second time since 2006 that the Pioneers had as many as five players drafted (six went in 2022).

Buium, who finished as NHL Central Scouting Service’s fourth-rated North American skater, was the first American-born player selected. He also has a bit of history in Minnesota, having played two seasons at Shattuck St. Mary’s prep school before joining the U.S. National Team Development Program in 2021.

Wild GM Bill Guerin summarized the pick, “There was a lot to like.”

"He's got a winning pedigree."

🗣️ Guerin on what drove the decision to trade up a spot in round one. #mnwild x #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/xYS1GhqKPQ

— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) June 29, 2024

Minnesota is getting one of the best freshmen to ever play in the Pioneers’ first 74 seasons of existence.

Not only did Buium win a gold medal as the youngest member of Team USA at the 2024 World Junior Championships, but he played a huge role in DU winning Title No. 10 in April.

His 50-point season (the first by a DU freshman in 40 years and the first by an NCAA freshman defenseman in more than 20 years) was one indication of his pro potential, but there’s more. Buium is a shifty skater with premier edge work. That enables him to transport the puck with relative ease. He’s also adept at making the right reads, as his 39 assists attested.

In addition to the two championships, Buium was recognized with several individual awards:
AHCA First-Team All-American

• NCHC Rookie of the Year
• NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year
• All-NCHC First-Team
• All-NCHC Rookie Team
• Frozen Four All-Tournament Team

Day 2 of NHL Draft Full of Pioneers Freshmen

Two of the four DU newcomers selected won’t have to travel far to prospect camps. The Colorado Avalanche selected Fisher and Pitner.

Fisher, who was in his second year of eligibility, went in the fourth round (121st overall). Pitner went in the sixth (185th overall).

Fisher brings a winning pedigree to the Pioneers, having helped Fargo win the United States Hockey League’s Clark Cup this spring. He had 47 points (23 goals) in 51 regular-season games and added six more in 12 playoff games.

Pitner had 24 points (8 goals) in 50 games and was one of the alternate captains for Youngstown of the USHL.

Burrows went seven picks after Fisher to the Tampa Bay Lightning at 128th overall. Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey, Burrows had 59 points (19 goals) in 28 games for Minnetonka High School than added 22 points (9 goals) in 25 USHL games for Sioux City.

Reader went early in the seventh round (198th overall) to the Los Angeles Kings. He was an alternate captain and 60-point scorer for a Dubuque team that played Fisher’s Fargo team in the Clark Cup Finals.

Note: The five draft picks will give DU 12 on its roster this season.

©First Line Editorial 2024