Buium knows he can’t fill Hughes’ shoes, even though he’s stepping into similar roles. Hughes had an impressive 23 points (two goals, 21 assists) in just 26 games this season, leading the Canucks when he was traded. Overall, he has 432 points (61 goals, 371 assists) across 459 regular-season games.
At 20 years old, Buium was drafted by Minnesota as the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. This season, he has 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 31 games. While he possesses skills that closely mirror Hughes’, he’s still working to find his rhythm.
“I want to be me,” Buium said. “Hughes is a superstar with an impressive career, including a Norris Trophy. I admire him, but I’m focused on crafting my own journey. My goal is to become the best player I can be.”
Rossi is currently on injured reserve and has not competed since November 11 due to a lower-body injury. Coach Foote mentioned that they are waiting for final medical clearance, and there’s a chance Rossi could play against New Jersey soon.
Rossi, 24, was picked by Minnesota as the No. 9 choice in the 2020 NHL Draft. In his third full NHL season, he has 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 17 games. He recently signed a three-year, $15 million contract, worth an annual average of $5 million.
Ohgren, 21, was drafted by Minnesota as the No. 19 pick in 2022 but has yet to score this season in 18 games. He’s been moving frequently between the NHL and the American Hockey League over the past three years. “It’s tough going up and down,” he admitted. “I really want to establish myself here.”
In the ever-evolving landscape of NHL talent, it’s important to note how young players are adapting to the pressures of professional hockey. According to recent NHL statistics, the average age of players has been decreasing, leading to a surge in younger athletes making an impact. Teams are now investing more resources in scouting and developing young talent, which could explain Buium’s and Ohgren’s current paths.
As fans engage with teams on social media, reactions to player performances can spark conversations about potential rookie seasons. Trends show that fans are increasingly following younger players, excited to witness fresh talent bringing new energy to their teams.
