Vancouver Canucks Sign Israeli-American Defenseman Zeev Buyum to Massive Contract

The Vancouver Canucks have signed defenseman Zeev Buyum to an eight-year contract extension worth $75.04 million, according to American media reports, including the NHL's official website. The deal makes Buyum one of the highest-paid defensemen in the National Hockey League.

Experts are divided on the contract's value. Some argue the sum is excessive for a player who debuted in the NHL last year and has played only 76 games. Others contend that Buyum, who is 20 years old, is the "most valuable asset" the Canucks acquired in the Quinn Hughes trade with Minnesota. They believe that if he develops into a top-pairing defenseman, the contract amount could be considered modest.

Buyum's parents emigrated to the United States from Israel. He holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Israel. He has represented the United States internationally, winning the 2023 World Junior Championship, two other World Junior Championships, and the 2025 World Championship.