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, a look at the top six rookie skaters among players age 20 or younger (listed alphabetically):

Zeev Buium , D, Minnesota Wild: The 20-year-old left-handed shot (6-foot, 183 pounds), chosen No. 12 in the 2024 NHL Draft, is third among rookie defensemen with 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in 29 games while averaging 18:40 of ice time. Buium is paired with veteran Zach Bogosian . He plays a significant role on Minnesota's power-play, averaging 3:09 in ice time with eight power-play points (two goals).

"He cares about defending and he puts effort into that," Wild coach John Hynes sa

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