Meet the Wild’s six 2024 NHL draft picks, from Zeev Buium to Stevie Leskovar

Here are the Wild’s picks Friday and Saturday in the 2024 NHL entry draft in Las Vegas, with comments by director of amateur scouting Judd Brackett.

First round, 12th overall

Position: defense

Height/weight: 6-0, 185

Hometown: Laguna Niguel, Calif.

2023-24 team: Denver (NCAA)

Statistics: 11 goals, 50 points in 42 games

Comment: “The strengths of his game are his mobility and his execution in transition and running the power play. To me, he’s a committed defender as well. He’s stick on puck more than someone that’s going to seal and contain physically. He’s an engaged defender.”

Second round, 45th overall

Position: right wing

Height/weight: 6-1, 175

Hometown: Calgary

2023-24 team: Prince Albert (Western Hockey League)

Statistics: 19 goals, 44 points in 47 games

Comment: “Nose for the net. More shoot first. He wants the puck, and he wants to create offense.”

Fourth round, 122nd overall (The Wild traded No. 110 and forward Vinni Lettieri to Boston for No. 122 and winger Jakub Lauko)

Position: defense

Height/weight: 5-10, 185

Hometown: Turku, Finland

2023-24 team: HIFK (Finland)

Statistics: One goal, two points in seven games

Comment: “First pass is excellent coming out of the D-zone, head is up, and just tons of poise and patience.”

Fifth round, 140th overall

Position: defense

Height/weight: 6-2, 187

Hometown: Tampere, Finland

2023-24 team: Koovee (Mestis)

Statistics: Zero goals, eight points in 32 games

Comment: “Sebastian is a bigger body, really strong skater, especially north-south. Shoots the puck well.”

Fifth round, 142nd overall

Position: goalie

Height/weight: 6-2, 161

Hometown: Debden, Sask.

2023-24 team: Red Deer (WHL)

Statistics: 19-10-4, .904 save percentage and 2.82 goals-against average in 36 games

Comment: “He’s still got some room to grow physically. But the speed, the lateral explosion for him, he’s very athletic. Competes on every puck.”

Sixth round, 174th overall

Position: defense

Height/weight: 6-4, 207

Hometown: Cambridge, Ont.

2023-24 team: Mississauga (Ontario Hockey League)

Statistics: Two goals, 12 points in 61 games

Comment: “Never afraid to finish a check, and often times has to sort of answer the bell for it and isn’t afraid to.”