Red Wings Sign Prospect Shai Buium

The Detroit Red Wings have made a roster move, as they have signed prospect Shai Buium to a three-year, entry-level contract. His deal will begin during the 2024-25 campaign, but he will join the Grand Rapids Griffins for the rest of this season on an amateur tryout.

UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed defenseman Shai Buium to a three-year, entry-level contract beginning with the 2024-25 season.

Buium will report to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

Details: https://t.co/6KnZkHGpr1 pic.twitter.com/eqkdQdOFRL

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 17, 2024

Buium, 21, was selected by the Red Wings with the 36th overall pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The California native is viewed as having good upside and should be an impactful player for the Red Wings later down the road.

Buium has spent each of the last three seasons with the University of Denver, where he emerged as a key part of their roster. In 120 games with the school over the last three seasons, Buium had 14 goals and 75 points. The 2023-24 season was his best campaign, however, as he set new career highs with seven goals, 29 assists, and 36 points.

We will now need to keep a close eye on Buium from here. He may need some time in the AHL before making the jump to the NHL, but it's clear that he has the potential to become a nice part of the Red Wings' defense later down the road. 

photo credit: © Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports