The NHL vibes were at an all-time high over the weekend. Hosting the 2024 Draft at the Sphere in Las Vegas? Absolute genius. Honestly, it should always be there. The visual spectacle was captivating, and the Trade Horn? Brilliant. Whenever it sounded, everyone braced for action.
The Minnesota Wild had six draft picks, and once again, they nailed it. Almost every prospect they selected had dropped further down the draft board than expected. The Wild know not to question a good opportunity. It doesn’t matter why other teams passed on these players. What matters is that the Wild’s scouting department is top-notch and knows what it wants.
People often focus on stats when evaluating players, but let’s pivot and examine the vibes of each draft pick. Vibes are crucial to the Wild organization.
Zeev Buium
Buium made an impression last season by helping the University of Denver win a national championship. He even accidentally swore twice on national television while being interviewed with his brother, who also played for Denver.
Buium is familiar with Minnesota, having spent time at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Faribault and a summer at Lake Minnetonka.
Buium will likely feel at home next to Brock Faber on the blue line. If Faber brings Golden Retriever energy, Buium brings Border Collie energy, creating a delightful dynamic.
Ryder Ritchie
Ritchie is incredibly baby-faced, which makes sense since he hasn’t even turned 18 yet! Despite his youth, he’s one of the smoothest scorers in the 2024 class. Ritchie fell to pick 45 because he missed a significant part of his last season, but the Wild took a chance on him. Ritchie seems ready to repay them with plenty of offense.
With a dad who was also a professional hockey player, Ritchie cheekily pointed out that he’s taller and more offensively gifted than his father. Unlike his father, he hasn’t taken up fighting yet.
Aron Kiviharju
Kiviharju created the most viral moment for the Wild at the draft. When shaking GM Bill Guerin’s hand, he pulled Guerin close and assured him that he had just made the steal of the draft. Kiviharju missed significant time last season, but he was highly ranked in the preseason. He steadily fell until the Wild picked him up in the fourth round.
His bold statement to Guerin speaks volumes about the vibes Kiviharju brings to the organization.
Sebastian Soini
Can the Minnesota Wild go wrong with a Finnish player? It’s worked well in the past!
Chase Wutzke
The Wild added another goaltender by selecting Wutzke in the fifth round. Wutzke grew up in a small town, graduated in a class of fewer than a dozen students, and drove two hours to play hockey. The kid is committed.
In a cool twist, Wutzke is part of the Métis Nation, maintaining the Wild’s connection to the Métis even after Calen Addison and Connor Dewar moved on.
Stevie Leskovar
Leskovar is already 6’4″. Hopefully, he’ll quiet those complaining about the Wild’s undersized defensemen. Even better, he’ll follow through on checks and step up when needed, fitting perfectly with the gritty Wild team.
Overall, this draft class brings a mix of good stats and amazing vibes.