Shai Buium returns to Detroit Red Wings after injury recovery
Defenceman Shai Buium has been activated from injured non-roster status by the Detroit Red Wings. His return follows a steady rise through junior, college and professional hockey over the past few years. The 22-year-old was originally drafted by the organization in 2021 and has since developed into a promising prospect.
Buium first made his mark in the United States Hockey League (USHL), spending parts of two seasons with the Sioux City Musketeers. His strong play earned him a spot on the league’s Second All-Rookie Team for the 2020-21 campaign.
From there, he moved to the University of Denver, where he spent three seasons. In his junior year, he received All-NCHC Second Team honours while helping the Pioneers win their second NCAA Division I national title in three years. The Red Wings selected Buium in the second round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. After turning professional, he was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. During his rookie season, he quickly became one of the team’s top-scoring defensemen in both points and assists. He also appeared in three Calder Cup Playoff games before his recent call-up. Notably, Buium is the older brother of Zeev Buium, a defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks.
Now fully recovered from injury, Buium rejoins the Red Wings as a potential reinforcement on the blue line. His experience in junior, college and minor-pro hockey provides a solid foundation as he looks to establish himself at the NHL level.
