Are we talking about comparing Buium to Fox as he is now, or as he was in his draft year? Two very different things. Comparing him to Fox as he is now is unfair and inaccurate, as it leaves out years of development and maturity.
All we are talking about is playing style, right? Not how good they are right off the hump at similar stages in their careers? Because if it's the latter, Buium is far and away a better prospect.
I like Buium, a lot. His IQ, vision, puck skills all stick out. Skating is good, but not at the same level as a guy like Drysdale in his draft year. Like almost all prospects have Celebrini, and maybe Demidov, he has his flaws;
- mediocre size for a dman. Looks strong on his skates, but it's hard to tell if that will carry on to the pros. I would not call him robust of above average physically. Everyone of the top 6 D except Parkh are more imposing physically.
- Defense isn't bad, but also isn't a strength. Just sort of there. We are not seeing a young Ryan Suter or Jonas Brodin, here. Dickinson and Silayev are better defenders...I can't make up my mind about about Yakemchuk ... both he and Levshunov have more potential to be better defenders, IMO.
Buium is one of the many guys in this draft that I love if i look at him in one viewing, then change my mind about him the next day.