Buium knows he can’t replace Hughes, even if he is occupying many of the same roles to start.
Hughes had 23 points (two goals, 21 assists) in 26 games this season — leading the Canucks at the time of the trade — and 432 points (61 goals, 371 assists) in 459 regular-season games.
Buium, 20, was selected by Minnesota with the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and has 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 31 games this season. He is projected to have many of the same offensive skills as Hughes but is still in the process of finding his game.
“I want to be me,” Buium said. “Everyone knows the player he is, he’s a superstar, he’s done some many great things, won a Norris, top defenseman in the [United States], if not the best defenseman in the NHL. For me, I have always liked to watch him and take things from him. I want to be me and write my own story. I don’t think I look too much into all that stuff. I just want to become the best player I can be.”
Rossi is on injured reserve and has not played since Nov. 11 because of a lower-body injury. Foote says the team is awaiting final medical clearance and it’s possible Rossi plays against New Jersey.
The 24-year-old was selected by Minnesota with the No. 9 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft and is in his third full NHL season. He has 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 17 games. He’s in the first season of a three-year, $15 million contract ($5 million average annual value) he signed with the Wild on Aug. 22, 2025.
Ohgren, 21, was selected by Minnesota with the No. 19 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft and has yet to register a point in 18 games this season. He has been shuffled between the Wild and their American Hockey League affiliate during each of the past three seasons.
“It’s been tough going up and down for sure,” Ohgren said. “Obviously I want to be In the NHL and I think this is a good place for me and a good fit.”
