DetroitRedWings.com’s Jonathan Mills profiles big defenseman Shai Buium this morning, discussing the 21-year-old’s decision to turn pro after his junior season–and two NCAA Division 1 championships–at the University of Denver:
Buium earned National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Second All-Star Team honors last season after setting NCAA career-highs in goals (seven), assists (29), points (36) and games (43) at the University of Denver, helping the Pioneers capture their second NCAA Division 1 national championship in three years.
The No. 36 pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft by Detroit, Buium said he made key strides during his time at the University of Denver.
“I think I’ve gotten a lot better defensively,” Buium said. “You learn new things every year. I like to be a sponge, just take it all in. Good defense just generates more offense for me. I like to be on the offensive side of things, and playing good defense helps with that.”
Buium said he quickly noticed the elevated competition at the AHL level [with Grand Rapids] last season.
“I was already in playoff hockey in the NCAA, so I would say (the AHL) is similar in that style of play,” the young defenseman said. “I just think guys are probably faster, stronger and smarter.”
Continued; right now it looks like the 6’3,” 220-pound defenseman projects as a shut-down D, but Buium does have some good offensive instincts. Ideally, he develops into a Swiss Army Knife defender that can be utilized in all situations.
