Detroit Hockey Now’s Tim Robinson profiles one of my favorite Red Wings prospects, University of Denver defenseman Shai Buium. I believe that the fleet-footed Buium is NHL-bound at some point, but the 6’3,” 205-pound defenseman has some goals to accomplish before he turns pro:
Buium, who will be a junior at the University of Denver, says working on the little things will be key to his improvement as a player and a prospect.
“Obviously, winning a national championship will be a team focus,” said Buium, who played on the Pioneers’ 2022 NCAA championship team. “For me personally, it’s staying on the little things during the season, like skating every day and doing the edge-work stuff we do here (at the recent Red Wings Prospects Development Camp). That stuff is going to help me make it to the NHL, so seeing to that stuff and keep working hard in the gym.”
Buium is a 6-3, 205-pound native of San Diego whose parents are from Israel. He was introduced to hockey by a cousin while growing up. He’s not the only hockey player in his family. His brother Zeev, who will be a freshman at Denver this winter, is considered a top prospect in next year’s draft.
Dan Cleary, the Red Wings’s director of player development, is bullish on Shai Buium’s progress at Denver.
“I think Shai’s made good strides,” he said. “You have to give these kids some time to figure it out and kind of like, whether it’s learning from their mistakes or trial and error. I feel Shai’s a good player. He’s got good size. Got good hands, it’s an important season. He’s going to have his brother in Denver with him as well, so that will be nice.”
