Originally drafted in the third round by St. Louis in 2022, Buchinger turned pro in 2024 following three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Guelph Storm, where he was coached by Thunderbirds assistant coach Chad Wiseman.
In his three OHL seasons, Buchinger averaged nearly a point per game with 158 points (30g, 128a) in 176 games with the Storm. He was a member of the OHL's All-Rookie First Team in 2021-22 and the OHL's All-Star Third Team in 2023-24, when he posted 10 goals and 37 assists in 52 games.
In two AHL seasons with the T-Birds, Buchinger has totaled 20 points (8g, 12a) and 65 penalty minutes in 109 games.
