Detroit Red Wings sign defenseman Shai Buium to three-year, entry-level contract

Buium, a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, is coming off an illustrious collegiate career. At the University of Denver, he helped the Pioneers win NCAA National Championships in 2022 and 2024, winning the latter with his brother Zeev, a 2024 draft-eligible prospect.

With the Pioneers, the San Diego native was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team during his freshman campaign in 2021-22, and was also named to the conference’s second all-star team this past season after further establishing himself as one of college hockey’s top d-men.

In three seasons at DU, Buium scored 14 goals and 75 points in 120 games, posting a career-high 36 points this year with the Pioneers.

Buium will be in familiar company when he heads to Grand Rapids. Former Pioneers Carter Mazur and Antti Tuomisto are currently with the Griffins, with the three of them all playing on the national championship squad in 2022.

The 21-year-old got on the Red Wings’ radar during the 2020-21 season, where he was one of the top rookies in the United States Hockey League with the Sioux City Musketeers.

As a result of the signing, Detroit has 29 standard player contracts signed through next season. According to CapFriendly, the Wings will have around $27 million in cap space for the 2024-25 season.