Israeli-American Defenseman Zeev Buium Signs Massive NHL Contract

The Vancouver Canucks have signed defenseman Zeev Buium to an eight-year contract extension worth $75.04 million. The deal makes Buium one of the highest-paid defensemen in the NHL. Buium, who debuted in the NHL last year and has played 76 games, has drawn mixed reactions from experts. Some believe the contract amount is excessive given his limited experience. Others argue that Buium, acquired in a trade with Minnesota, is the Canucks' most valuable asset from that deal and could prove to be a bargain if he develops into a top-tier defenseman. The 20-year-old Buium, whose parents emigrated from Israel, holds dual U.S. and Israeli citizenship. He has represented the United States in international play, winning the 2023 U18 World Championship, two World Junior Championships, and the 2025 World Championship.