The NHL atmosphere was intense over the weekend. Holding the 2024 draft at the Sphere in Las Vegas is genius. Honestly, it should always be there. There was a lot to see visually. And the trade horn? Awesome. Whenever it rang, everyone had to fasten their seatbelts.
The Minnesota Wild drafted six players and failed again. Most of the prospects they got were lower in the draft than anyone expected. And the Wild aren't going to look into the horse's mouth when they're given one. It doesn't matter why other teams didn't draft them. What matters is that the Wild's scouting department is top-notch and they know what they like.
It's easy to look at the stats when evaluating players, so that's what everyone's been talking about, but let's turn the tide and look at the atmosphere surrounding the players that were drafted, because we all know how important atmosphere is to the Wild organization.
Zeev Buium
Bouyum made an impression last season by leading the University of Denver to a national championship, most notably by accidentally swearing not once but twice to express his joy while being interviewed on national television alongside his brother, who also played at Denver.
Buium is already familiar with Minnesota, having spent time at Shattuck St. Mary's in Faribault, and has already basked in the waters of Lake Minnetonka, where he spent an entire summer.
Buium would feel right at home next to Brock Faber on the blue line. If Faber brings a golden retriever energy, Buium brings a border collie energy, making them fun and different in the most wonderful ways.
Ryder Ritchie
Ritchie is incredibly baby-faced and isn't even 18 yet, but despite his youth, he's one of the smoothest scorers in the 2024 class. Ritchie fell to 45th overall because he missed a good chunk of last season, but the Wild are still willing to draft him, and Ritchie seems ready to give back to them with all the offensive power he can.
Richie, whose father was a professional hockey player, gets a little cocky by pointing out that he's not only taller but also a better attacker than his father, but unlike his father, Richie has yet to take up martial arts.
Aron Kibiharju
Kiviharju's most talked about move in the Wild's draft was his bold move to shake hands with GM Bill Guerin. As he held Guerin close, Kiviharju assured the GM that selecting him was the best thing they had done in the draft and promised to tell him so. Kiviharju was also coming off a tough season that included an extended absence. In the preseason, people had him ranked high in the draft, but he steadily dropped down the rankings until the Wild took him in the fourth round.
I don't need to say any more. Saying something like this when meeting your boss for the first time speaks volumes about the atmosphere that Mr. Kibiharju brings to the organization.
Sebastian Soini
Could the Minnesota Wild really go wrong recruiting a Finnish player? It's worked out pretty well in the past!
Chase Utzke
The Wild acquired Utzke in the fifth round, adding another goaltender to their team. Utzke grew up in a small town, graduated with fewer than a dozen students and had to drive two hours to play hockey. This kid is full of enthusiasm.
In a twist of fate, Wutzke is a Métis person, as were Karen Addison and Conor Dewar, and although both have since gone their separate ways, Wilde maintains her Métis connection.
Stevie Leskovac
Lescobar is already 6-foot-4. Hopefully he will alleviate the complaints of those complaining about the undersized defensemen the Wild currently play. And even better, he will be able to follow through on checks and answer the bell when needed, which should be a great fit for a tough Wild team.
Overall, this draft class brings everything from great stats to great vibes.
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