The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan filed a varied afternoon notebook article which discusses the following topis: Dan Cleary’s impressions regarding the Red Wings’ Summer Development Camp; Axel Sandin Pellikka’s desire to continue improving his game while playing at home for Skelleftea AIK; and the experiences of one Shai Buium, who won his second NCAA Division 1 title while playing alongside his brother, Zeev, at the University of Denver:
“You never get tired of [winning],” said Buium, who signed a pro contract with the Wings last spring and will begin next season in Grand Rapids. “I just thought it was time to move on for another challenge in my life.”
Buium ironically won the 2022 NCAA championship at the University of Denver alongside current Grand Rapids teammates Carter Mazur (Jackson) and Antti Tuomisto.
Buium was a 2021 second-round pick (36th overall) of the Wings. He totaled a career-high 36 points (29 assists) with a plus-33 rating in 43 games at Denver last season. The 36 points ranked eighth among NCAA defensemen. Signing late last season, Buium (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) got into one regular-season game with the Griffins.
“I really liked the coaching staff, and it (Grand Rapids) is a great city,” Buium said. “I got to know the guys. It’ll be nice to get over there before the season and (get to know) the coaches, players and facilities. I’m excited at what’s to come.”
Buium felt he took a step forward defensively last season.
“Just learning things every year,” Buium said. “I like to be a sponge and kind of take it all in. With good defense, it just generates more offense for me.”
