The NHL Draft in the Sphere in Las Vegas over the weekend was a hit, and many believe it should always be held there. The visual spectacle and the Trade Horn added to the excitement, creating a high-energy atmosphere.

The Minnesota Wild made six draft picks, and they seem to have excelled once again. They managed to pick up several players who had dropped further down the draft board than expected. The Wild’s scouting department clearly knows what they’re looking for and didn’t hesitate to capitalize on these opportunities. While stats are often the focus when evaluating players, it’s also crucial to consider the vibes they bring, which are highly valued by the Wild organization.

  Zeev Buium

Buium made a notable impact last season, helping the University of Denver to a national championship. During a celebratory interview, he humorously swore twice on national television. Buium is no stranger to Minnesota, having spent time at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Faribault and enjoying a summer by Lake Minnetonka. His energy complements Brock Faber’s on the blue line perfectly—while Faber exudes Golden Retriever energy, Buium brings the focused intensity of a Border Collie.

 Ryder Ritchie

Despite being just shy of 18, Ritchie is one of the smoothest scorers in the 2024 class. He dropped to pick 45 due to missing much of the previous season, but the Wild saw his potential. Ritchie, whose father was also a professional hockey player, has already shown a bit of playful bravado, noting that he’s both taller and more offensively gifted than his dad, though he hasn’t yet taken up fighting.

  Aron Kiviharju

Kiviharju created a viral moment for the Wild during the draft by confidently telling GM Bill Guerin that selecting him was the steal of the draft and promising to prove it. Despite a challenging season that saw him miss significant time, Kiviharju’s boldness and confidence speak volumes about the positive vibes he brings to the team.

Sebastian Soini

Soini adds to the Wild’s Finnish connection, which has been successful in the past. His addition continues this positive trend.

  Chase Wutzke

Chosen in the fifth round, Wutzke is a committed goaltender who grew up in a tiny town and had to travel two hours to play hockey. He is also part of the Métis Nation, maintaining a connection for the Wild, who previously had Métis players Calen Addison and Connor Dewar.

 Stevie Leskovar

At 6’4″, Leskovar addresses complaints about the Wild’s undersized defensemen. He’s known for following through on checks and stepping up when needed, fitting perfectly with the gritty style of the Wild.

Overall, this draft class not only brings promising stats but also a great mix of positive vibes, making for a potentially strong future for the Minnesota Wild.