Vancouver Canucks defenceman Zeev Buium agreed to an eight-year, $75.04-million contract extension carrying an annual average value of $9.38 million, the team announced on Friday. The 20-year-old San Diego native was acquired by Vancouver last season in the trade that sent Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild.
Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson on the Long-Term Deal
“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,” Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson said in a statement. Johnson added that Buium is a key member of the team’s young core and a player the front office will build around moving forward. According to the team’s news release, management believes Buium has upside and will flourish within the locker room’s system and environment.
Buium appeared in 45 games with Vancouver last season following his acquisition, recording three goals and nine assists for 12 points alongside 33 penalty minutes. Across 76 career NHL games split between Minnesota and Vancouver, the 6’0”, 183lbs defenceman has posted six goals and 20 assists for 26 points and 41 penalty minutes. He made his NHL debut during the 2024.25 Stanley Cup Playoffs, skating in four playoff games for Minnesota and recording one point (0-1-1) and four penalty minutes.
Trade Context and Collegiate Background
Buium arrived in Vancouver on Dec 12, 2025, alongside Liam Ohgren, Marco Rossi, and a first-round pick in 2026 in exchange for Quinn Hughes. Prior to turning professional, Buium played 83 games across two seasons at the University of Denver, scoring 24 goals and 74 assists for 98 points with a +50 plus/minus rating. He won the NCAA National Championship with Denver in 2024 after being selected 12th overall by Minnesota in the 2024 NHL draft.

Did you know? Zeev Buium won gold with the United States at the 2023 U18 World Championship, the 2024 and 2025 World Junior Championships, and the 2025 World Championship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the financial value of Zeev Buium’s contract extension with the Canucks?
The eight-year contract extension is worth $75.04 million and carries an AAV of $9.38 million.

When was Zeev Buium acquired by Vancouver?
Buium was acquired by the Canucks on Dec 12, 2025, in a trade with the Minnesota Wild that sent Quinn Hughes the other way.
What are Zeev Buium’s international hockey achievements?
Buium has won gold at the 2023 U18 World Championship, the 2024 and 2025 World Junior Championships, and the 2025 World Championship.
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