Griffins’ Rookie Finally Gets On Board (VIDEO)

The Grand Rapids Griffins are still having some trouble scoring goals, but that no longer applies to Detroit Red Wings prospect defenseman Shai Buium.

Playing his 52nd game with the Griffins, Buium scored his first goal as a professional player in a 5-2 loss to the Manitoba Moose. The San Diego native had 19 assists before netting the goal. Buium, 20, has impressed Grand Rapids coaches enough to earn a place on the power play, but has been unlucky when it comes to scoring.  He has a quality shot.

SHAI BUIUM FIRST PRO GOAL🚨 #LGRW #GoGRG pic.twitter.com/wOzjqWpAfm

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) March 4, 2025

Buium (36th, 2021) is now second in points among Griffins defensemen with 20 in 51 games this season.

Meanwhile, the Griffins lost their third consecutive game while scoring only two goals. Grand Rapids has netted two or fewer goals in 10 of its last 14 games.

In fairness, the Red Wings have called up Elmer Soderblom who was a key Grand Rapids player, plus Sheldon Dries (Grand Rapids’ second leading goal scorer) and defenseman William Lagesson (who was playing well for the Griffins.). Dries hasn’t played a game for Detroit since being called up.

This is simply how it works between an NHL team and its affiliate. The Griffins simply have not regained their offensive punch.

Cross Hanas (55th, 2020) scored the other Grand Rapids goal. Carter Mazur (70th, 2021) assisted on that goal to push his points streak to six games (4-3-7). Depending upon what happens in the Eastern Conference playoff race, Mazur seems like he has a chance for a call-up. But the Red Wings will want him to play in the AHL playoffs as long as the Griffins don’t fall out of them.