For a 19-year-old rookie who has never before played in am NHL game, new Wild defenseman Zeev Buium looked plenty comfortable during practice Thursday at TRIA Rink, showing some of the skill that made him one of college hockey’s top players last season.

In fact, the blue liner spent time practicing with Minnesota’s top power-play unit.

Wild coach John Hynes would not say for sure whether Buium’s NHL debut will come on Sunday in Game 1 against the Golden Knights but likes what the University of Denver product showed in his first full practice Thursday.

“I just think he’s a really good player, but let’s try to do the right things to give him the best chance,” said Hynes, who did not play Buium in the regular-season finale against Anaheim. “Today I thought he did a good job, and talking to him after practice, he obviously felt more comfortable. But (he) said it was a little bit different too — the passes, the speed of the practice. The details guys play with are good, so good day for him.”

After practice Buium also talked about the little things, like switching from the full facemask required in college hockey to the half shield that NHLers wear.

“Obviously, really nice to get out there with all of them and get a real practice under me. Felt better as the practice went on, and it was just good to be out there,” he said, noting that if he plays Sunday, it will be easy for his family to travel from San Diego. “I’m just excited. I mean, every day coming to the rink it’s fun to be here. This is the highest level, this is where you want to be. If my name gets called upon, I’ll be ready.”

In 2023, former Minnesota Gophers star Brock Faber stepped right into the Wild lineup for their first round series versus Dallas.

“I’m excited for him. … He’s such a good kid. I’ve gotten to know him for the past three days and I’m just excited. We all want this guy in the lineup,” Wild forward Marcus Foligno said. “I think just the way Zeev holds himself, carries himself, he’s gonna be just fine going into Game 1 against Vegas. He’s got the support of us, his new teammates now, and we want him to flourish.

“If he could be the offensive guy that we saw in college. and can help us get some other looks and plays, we just need to make sure that we’re giving him a confidence boost to make those plays and back him up.”

In the past month, Hynes had often employed five forwards on the Wild’s power play could seemingly swap in an offensive-minded defenseman like Buium when Vegas has a player in the penalty box. Hynes is not showing his cards just yet.

“I don’t wanna get too far ahead with it, particularly now that we have two days off,” the coach said. “Now, you ask me that question Saturday, I’ll have the answer for you for sure. But today was like, ‘OK, let’s see some things.’ … We’re healthy and it was a good day put him in some situations that we think he can help us in.”

The Wild fly to Nevada on Friday afternoon and will skate at the Golden Knights’ practice facility on Saturday.