Two two-time NCAA champions have decided to forego their senior season and turn pro. DU juniors Shai Buium and Massimo Rizzo have been signed to entry-level contracts by the Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers, respectively. Both Buium and Rizzo were key contributors on the 2022 and 2024 teams that brought home the Pioneers’ ninth and NCAA record 10th titles.
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
David Carle’s staff likely anticipated Buium’s exit. Bemidji State freshman transfer Eric Pohlkamp, the USHL Defenseman of the Year in 2022-23 and member of this year’s gold-medal-winning World Junior Championship squad, will add elite scoring to the back line. DU freshman defenseman Garrett Brown is likely to move up the defensive line chart as well after spending most of 2023-24 injured.
OFFICIAL: We signed forward Massimo Rizzo to a two-year, entry-level contract beginning with the 2024-25 season. #LetsGoFlyers https://t.co/M6DXHYqGpt
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 17, 2024
Rizzo was an outstanding leader and scorer for DU and will join fellow DU alum and 2022 champion Bobby Brink’s Philadelphia Flyers. Look for freshman Miko Matikka to step up to the first line to pick up the scoring slack. DU also added another Finn via the transfer portal, Samu Salminen. The sophomore forward transfer from UConn is a third-round draftee by the New Jersey Devils and was originally committed to Denver before an admissions issue prevented his matriculation to DU. Salminen had a modest 23-24 season with 7 goals and 10 assists in Hockey East and will be looking to rejuvenate his career as a Pioneer.
In other news, the NHL Central Scouting final draft rankings for 2024, freshman defenseman Zeev Buium is ranked #4 among all North-American skaters. Buium trails only Macklin Celebrini (BU), Artyom Levshunov (MSU), and Cayden Lindstrom (WHL – Medicine Hat).
Top photo of Rizzo courtesy of University of Denver Athletics
Big thanks to Massimo and Shai. To leave as two-time champions is quite alright! Shai was so solid this year. What a great impact he had. I’m sorry that Rizzo’s injury prevented him from having an absolutely epic personal year. But the way Broz and others stepped up to pick up the slack made this season even more special. Rizzo rocks. Good luck to both of these guys, what a way to go out!
Best of luck to Rizzo and Buium!!
Good for them!
Noticed Buium got a 3 year deal and Rizzo 2. Did Bob Brink Trucking Inc pick up the 3rd year?
S11heheheseat8
No. Rizzo is older at 22, and was only eligible for a 2 year ELC.
Based on age, the players offered an NHL entry-level deal must be offered the following:
Age 18-21: Three-Year Deal
Age 22-23: Two-Year Deal
Age 24: One-Year Deal
Best of luck in the pros to these two fine young men.
I couldn’t be happier for both of them.
They each delivered a pair of NCAA titles to the Pioneers, which is a good a parting gift as any player could ever leave for the program, the University and the fans!
Thank you, Shai and Massimo!