Canucks extend young Buium for $75 million, beating new rule deadline

The Vancouver Canucks signed 20-year-old defenseman Zeev Buium to an eight-year, $75 million extension worth $9.38 million annually, beginning next season. General manager Ryan Johnson said the deal reflects the organization’s belief in Buium’s long-term potential and was completed before a new rule would have reduced the maximum extension term to seven years. Buium has played fewer than 80 NHL games and produced modest numbers, making the contract a significant bet on his development rather than his current performance. Critics around the NHL view the deal as aggressive, while supporters compare it with Jake Sanderson’s successful early-career extension in Ottawa and point to Buium’s difficult rookie season, midseason trade and leadership qualities. Buium said remaining in Vancouver was an easy decision, describing the pressure of the contract as a privilege and expressing confidence in the Canucks’ rebuilding direction.