Canucks lock up Buium with eight-year extension
The Vancouver Canucks announced Friday that they have signed defenceman Zeev Buium to an eight-year contract extension worth $75.04 million, carrying an average annual value of $9.38 million. The 20-year-old was acquired from the Minnesota Wild in December as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Quinn Hughes to the Wild.
Buium recorded three goals and nine assists (12 points) in 45 games with the Canucks last season. In 76 career NHL games with the Wild and Canucks, he has six goals and 26 points. He also has one assist in four Stanley Cup Playoff games.
General manager's statement
Vancouver general manager Ryan Johnson expressed enthusiasm about the deal in a statement.
"Zeev has settled in nicely with our organization since his trade to Vancouver last season, and we are extremely happy to see him make this long-term commitment to the Canucks," Johnson said. "He is a key member of our young core and a player we will build around moving forward. Zeev has a lot of upside, and we feel with his abilities he will flourish in the system and environment we are creating inside our locker room. We look forward to working together and creating a strong partnership and foundation for our future."
Background on Buium
Buium was drafted 12th overall by the Wild in the 2024 NHL Draft. He helped the University of Denver win the NCAA championship in 2024. He has also represented the United States internationally, winning gold at the 2025 World Championship and at the 2024 and 2025 World Junior Championships. The Globe and Mail reported he also won gold at the 2023 world under-18 championship.
Buium is entering the final season of a three-year, entry-level contract he signed with the Wild on April 13, 2025. He could have become a restricted free agent after the 2026-27 season, according to nhl.com.
Trade context
Buium was traded from the Wild to the Canucks on Dec. 12, 2025, along with forwards Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren and a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, in exchange for Quinn Hughes. Oilers Nation noted that the first-round pick was later used to select Adam Novotny.
Other roster news
In related news from Oilers Nation, Chris Tanev is nearing a return to the Toronto Maple Leafs' lineup. The 36-year-old played only 11 games last season before being shut down in late December due to groin and core muscle injuries. Tanev told The Toronto Star's Dave Feschuk he is hopeful to be cleared ahead of training camp. He has appeared in 86 games for the Leafs since being acquired in June 2024, scoring three goals and 20 points with a plus-39 plus/minus.