The impact several rookies are making on the NHL is one of the major storylines of the 2025-26 season. Each week, NHL.com will examine topics related to this season's class in the Rookie Watch. This week, the top five rookies in the Central Division (in alphabetical order):

Zeev Buium , D, Minnesota Wild: The 19-year-old left-handed shot (6-foot, 183 pounds), chosen No. 12 in the 2024 NHL Draft, ranked second among rookie defensemen, behind Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders, with nine points (three goals, six assists) in 16 games while averaging 18:41 of ice time entering Sunday. He plays a significant role on Minnesota's second power-play unit, averaging 3:07 in ice time on the man-advantage with six power-play points (two goals).

Per NHL EDGE stats, Buium was fourth at his

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