Lots of options but I think we agree that Kiviharju is unlikely to be one of them at this point.
LD Zeev Buium - University of Denver, NCAA (2024, 12th, MIN)
- Thread starter Pavel Buchnevich
- Start date
Pavel Buchnevich
"Pavel Buchnevich The Fake"
Thought Zeev got a lot better as the tournament went on, and his improvement was arguably the biggest key to us defending Gold.
He didn't make as many impactful offensive plays as he might've made last year and he can do, but that isn't what the team needed this year. The team was crying out for someone who could move pucks up the ice, hold onto the puck, relieve pressure, and defend against speed and skill.
He showed he can do those things and will be more than a power play specialist (if you really needed to see him validate that). He should be an all-situations player for the Wild, and has the potential to be a top pairing defensemen (and maybe even a 1D). Didn't score as many points as usual (although he had the decisive assist of the tournament), but he played exactly as needed after the first few games and was arguably the major key to the team defending Gold.
He didn't make as many impactful offensive plays as he might've made last year and he can do, but that isn't what the team needed this year. The team was crying out for someone who could move pucks up the ice, hold onto the puck, relieve pressure, and defend against speed and skill.
He showed he can do those things and will be more than a power play specialist (if you really needed to see him validate that). He should be an all-situations player for the Wild, and has the potential to be a top pairing defensemen (and maybe even a 1D). Didn't score as many points as usual (although he had the decisive assist of the tournament), but he played exactly as needed after the first few games and was arguably the major key to the team defending Gold.
SI90
Registered User
Also, what a 12 months for Buium. In 1 year he’s got 2 gold medals, a National Championship, and he was drafted in the 1st round.
Amazing year span for the kid.
Amazing year span for the kid.
I wish they would display TOI for players, but I'd think Buium would be up there. I also think the challenge for him was to play more defensively as they had some good offensive players both on defense and on offense, so his numbers aren't going to pop up. With that said he was almost a PPG. I honestly think he'll be a more offensive, less defensive Faber. He'll get around 60-70 points while providing good, not great defense.
Pavel Buchnevich
"Pavel Buchnevich The Fake"
They do. Click the PDF attached to each game listed on Wikipedia. 2025 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships - Wikipedia
This was the final: https://stats.iihf.com/hydra/757/ihm757129_74_4_0.pdf
Hutson was filling the "Offenseman" role. Thought it was brilliant of Carle to stick him and Buium together, and play the hell out of them. Buium improved as the tourney went on, and his role became clearer. I think it was odd for him to NOT be the main offensive Dman on the team, and to play a support role in that regard.
I don't think Buium has the body and speed of Faber, but has way more offensive talent at the same age. It's hard to compare the two, because what Faber was in college vs. what he developed into in the NHL, seemingly effortlessly, is hardly normal. Most college prospects, even top ones, take time and effort to become good NHL players.
It would be more normal for Buium to take a couple of years to adjust to the NHL, with some time spent in the AHL. Fox didn't play in the NHL till his D + 4 year, Faber the same, Makar his D+3 year(though he played NHL playffs in D+2). Expecting Buium to come in immediately in his D+2 year is asking a lot.
Pavel Buchnevich
"Pavel Buchnevich The Fake"
The other reason his point totals were hurt is that the USA almost intentionally tanked their PP1 by putting their best D, LW, RW, and C (arguably the best of all four categories at the tournament) on unit one with arguably their worst player (Burnevik) as the fifth man on the unit.
Why? Well, Burnevik’s college coach was the assistant assigned with running the power play of the team. He had everything to gain from Burnevik succeeding on that unit (more likely leaching off the others).
Yet, Burnevik was the only skater who didn’t register a point all tournament, I believe. He often killed the penalty for the other team with missing great chances or fumbling pucks that the other four wouldn’t have. He didn’t think the game well enough, nor have the skill level to play on that unit. They seemed to only find success when they simply ignored the fifth wheel of the PP unit and played a four man game.
It got so bad that they were often using the second unit as the first unit at times. That second unit didn’t have the same level of skill and hockey sense, but all five were a strong enough five. There was no clear weak link.
He looks really good. I had no idea he was American until this tournament with that name.
Canada’s inept management leaving Yakemchuk and Parekh off the roster for some unfathomable reason leaves your statement yet to be determined imo, but he very well might end up the best D of 24 draft.
Pavel Buchnevich
"Pavel Buchnevich The Fake"
Gotcha. Here is for the full tournament.
BagHead
Registered User
A solid 4:30 more TOI per game than the next guy is crazy.
DudeWhereIsMakar
Bergevin sent me an offer sheet
43sfriends
Registered User
- Dec 2, 2018
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Hutson was a lot better. Buium ran into trouble a number of times holding onto the puck too long and got burned badly on Finland's 3rd goal, although he made a few great plays as well.
BondraTime
Registered User
Very little difference between them in the game. Hutson was caught puck watching about 90 seconds into the game that allowed a HDSC that Augustine bailed him out on. It was worse than Buium's sequence, as Moore was a huge factor in picking Buium.
Offensively, Hutson had a great goal and was terrific. Buium had a great chance in OT which he initiated with Connelly and had a nice redirect with about 4 minutes left in 2P on a nice give and go with Leonard. He also set in motion the Hutson goal. Then made the Golden Pass. You want to say he was better than Buium you can make the case but a "lot better"? No ****ing.way.
43sfriends
Registered User
- Dec 2, 2018
- 180
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Not going to rewatch and analyze everything but I was rooting for both and Cole seemed to more often make a confident and creative play. I'll settle for Cole slightly better in the final and a lot better in the tournament.
Like I said, I have no issue if you want to say Hutson was a bit more impactful, but you made a declarative statement that wasn't accurate.
