Wild Draft Aron Kiviharju 122nd Overall & Draft Ryder Ritchie 45th Overall
Plus a look at Zeev Buium who the Wild picked 12th overall and why the Wild need a healthy Spurgeon back next season.
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Minnesota Wild Draft Aron Kiviharju 122nd Overall
June 29, 2024 by Justin Giampietro
Aron Kiviharju essentially played no hockey during his draft year aside from the U18 World Championship where he had three assists in five games. Seen as one of the best defensive prospects entering the 2024 class, it’s a shame that he played so little. While he is undersized for a defenseman at 5-foot-10, 165 pounds, he certainly doesn’t let that deter him. He is both intelligent and very sound at both ends of the ice, also possessing the vision to be a hyperactive defender at a professional level…
Minnesota Wild Draft Ryder Ritchie 45th Overall
June 29, 2024 by Justin Giampietro
Ryder Ritchie, a 6-foot-0 winger out of the WHL, has a lot of skill. He seems to have a high level of offensive upside, displaying a great shot and good skating ability. His scoring in both transition and inside the offensive zone are both strengths of his, which can go a long way if he can make it to the NHL…
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Minnesota Wild Secure Defensive Future with Zeev Buium Pick
June 29, 2024 by Mariah Stark (Holland)
The Minnesota Wild aren’t known for making waves when it comes to the NHL Entry Draft, but this year was different. When the Philadelphia Flyers were up for their pick at number 12, there was a long pause before it was announced that the Flyers traded their pick to Minnesota for their 13th pick and a third-round pick in 2025…
Minnesota Wild Draft Zeev Buium 12th Overall
June 28, 2024 by Jim Bay
Starting in 2021-22, the offensive-minded defenseman became a product of the USNTDP, putting up 13 points in 49 games as a rookie and then exploding the following season with a 40-point effort. The high-scoring level continued into the NCAA, where Buium led all defensemen in points while playing for the University of Denver, posting 50 points in 42 games…
Minnesota Wild Need a Healthy Spurgeon Next Season
June 27, 2024 by Mariah Stark (Holland)
Originally, this was supposed to be the Minnesota Wild’s final report card for their defensive core on captain Jared Spurgeon. He had a very up-and-down season that ended early due to nagging injuries. However, after reviewing his stats, he only played 16 games this season, which isn’t enough to qualify for a grade. It also wouldn’t be fair to use those games for a grade since he was still battling injury in most of those games…