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Zeev Buium discovered the freedom of playing more openly during the previous NHL season.
Despite the Vancouver Canucks’ struggles with injuries, indecision, and lack of cohesion, his promise as a key part of the rebuilding effort began to show results. His decision‑making improved, his playmaking became sharper, and his confidence increased.
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This optimism explains why the emerging defenseman looks forward to the upcoming season, even as the team works to climb back toward respectability. The chance to reset under a new hockey‑operations leadership and recent acquisitions aligns with his ambition, and he already sensed a glimmer of hope before those changes were made.
“Those final ten to twelve games were tough to stay motivated in when there was nothing at stake, but it’s natural to compete for something meaningful,” Buium told Postmedia after a Southern California training session. “Although our situation was difficult, I still took valuable lessons from those experiences.
“Confidence in my abilities let me log more ice time. I’ve always believed that playing 12 minutes is tougher than 25; when you spend more time on the ice and feel liberated, you develop quickly, and I’m eager to get started.”
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Buium placed third among rookie defensemen in scoring, tallying 26 points (six goals, twenty assists) over 76 games. The 6‑foot, 183‑pound San Diego native averaged 19:35 of ice time per game — fourth among first‑year blue‑liners — and logged a season‑high 25 minutes in a matchup against the Los Angeles Kings on April 14.
Buium’s off‑season focus has shifted to building greater stamina.
“You need to prepare for the worst‑case situations on the ice when fatigue sets in,” he admitted. “When you’re pinned in your own zone, conditioning becomes the priority. The goal is to reach a point where you can play 30 minutes without feeling exhausted or experiencing leg cramps.”
“Last season, we were trapped for a minute or a minute and a half, highlighting the need for that extra burst to move the puck out of our zone.”
Buium demonstrated promise when paired with Filip Hronek on the top defensive unit and serving as the primary quarterback on the power play. He repeatedly emphasized the importance of team chemistry and fostering an inclusive, non‑divisive culture — a point underscored by Henrik Sedin, co‑president of hockey operations, in his inaugural media appearance.
“They recognize that patience is required with a young squad,” Buium added. “We aren’t content with merely accepting defeats; we concentrate on building culture. The small details accumulate, and everyone is aware of my view on this. It’s the bedrock of success — without it, progress stalls.”
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“It was inspiring to watch Carolina lift that block daily, knowing it carries the same weight as the Stanley Cup. The gesture held deeper significance, and I hope to contribute something similar.”
A strong culture also translates to being tougher to oppose. The addition of veteran defensemen Luke Schenn and Jamie Oleksiak will fortify the back end, while forward Brendan Gallagher, described as a bowling‑ball of energy, will raise the team’s grit factor up front.
“I love it,” Buium said. “They bring a wealth of experience, and facing them is challenging. You certainly don’t want to be caught in the offensive zone against them; it will be a significant test, and you won’t want to be shoved around. With Gallagher, you’re up against a relentless burst of energy that pays no attention to your identity or stature.”
Amid these developments, Buium’s eligibility for a contract extension arises as he enters the final year of his entry‑level deal. The Canucks have until September 15 to secure him for an eight‑year term; after that date the maximum offer decreases to seven years.
Should his present contract expire at the end of the upcoming season, he would become a 10.2(c) restricted free agent, making him exempt from offer‑sheet eligibility. The rule stipulates that players aged 18 to 21 must complete three professional seasons before an offer sheet can be issued; Buium would have only two under that framework.
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“Throughout my career I haven’t dwelled on contracts or expended energy on them,” he replied. “If you trust that you’re making the right choices, things tend to fall into place and work out in the end. I feel confident that I’m exactly where I need to be.”
And there’s the rub.
Buium appreciates Vancouver’s scenery, its dining scene, and the passionate fan base that has stayed loyal even amid the franchise’s record of futility — highlighted by an 11‑game losing streak and a 9‑27‑5 home record.
He noted that while Minnesota fans are knowledgeable and supportive, the atmosphere in Vancouver surpasses anything he has experienced elsewhere.
“Honestly, I was blown away,” he exclaimed. “The city is beautiful, and the way we’re treated is remarkable. Being last in the league yet receiving such support is incredible. The fans notice every detail about the game and the players, and it’s inspiring to see how invested they are.”
He regretted missing the opportunity to experience the World Cup atmosphere and to see how the United States’ tournament run concluded.
“I was hoping Argentina would win on Sunday, as I admire Lionel Messi and would have loved to see him claim another title,” Buium said, noting that he played soccer in elementary school before moving on to basketball and hockey during middle school.
Ultimately, hockey prevailed as his chosen sport.
bkuzma@postmedia.com
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