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‘I’m learning how to stay positive and not beat yourself up. I’ve found ways to keep pushing through and see light at end of the tunnel.’ — Canucks defenceman Zeev Buium.
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Published Apr 18, 2026 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 4 minute read
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‘I’m learning how to stay positive and not beat yourself up. I’ve found ways to keep pushing through and see light at end of the tunnel.’ — Canucks defenceman Zeev Buium. Photo by Arlen Redekop /PNGArticle content
Kevin Bieksa shoots from the lip with constructive criticism that is often tempered by a touch of humour.
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It’s why the former Vancouver Canucks defenceman is a popular presence on the Hockey Night In Canada panel. He educates and entertains, and knows a good player when he sees one after logging 894 career NHL games himself.
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Bieksa sees potential for greatness in 20-year-old rookie Zeev Buium, a key return in the blockbuster Quinn Hughes trade.
The two first crossed paths seven years ago at a Detroit development camp run by agent Kurt Overhardt, who now represents Buium.
“I’ve known Zeev since he was 13 and have been helping him for a while,” Bieksa told Postmedia on Thursday. “Very proud of his game and the type of person he is. He obviously has high-end skating and stick skills. But what fans are starting to see is his competitiveness to win.
“It’s the fight in his play down the stretch in meaningless games with leadership and his interviews to lead by example. He’s a winner at every level. And you can tell he prioritizes and values that over points and stats. Most kids are the opposite, unfortunately.
“He’ll continue to get better because of his attitude and who he is, which is scary.”
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The evidence is starting to mount.
Zeev Buium defends against Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings during the second period Tuesday at Rogers Arena. Photo by Derek Cain /Getty Images
Buium’s game-tying goal in the third period Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings was highlight material. He entered the offensive zone with speed, absorbed contact from big centre Quinton Byfield who lost his stick, then got to the high slot and finished a give-and-go with Nils Höglander for a backdoor tally.
The San Diego native logged 25 minutes that night, won the season’s most-exciting player award based on fan balloting, and finished third in league rookie blueliner scoring with 26 points (6-20) in 76 games. Buium even stood up when fellow rookie defenceman Tom Willander was roughed up.
Buium was measured in his responses Friday during the year-end media availability. He sets a high standard for personal play and deportment, and even though a strong stride and puck-handling skills come naturally, he knows defending was a problem for the last-place Canucks surrendering the most goals.
“You’re not going to sit here right now and be happy that everything was good and we won this game and that game,” stressed Buium. “We have to focus on eliminating the mistakes and find ways to win. Toward the end, we tried to figure it out.
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“I learned a lot about my game (this season) and started to find my confidence, learning what I can and can’t do, and when to push the pace or sit back a little bit. I’m learning how to stay positive and not beat yourself up. I’ve found ways to keep pushing through and see light at end of the tunnel.”
Buium is accustomed to the joy of winning and not the pain of losing.
He captured world under-18 gold in 2023, an NCAA title with the University of Denver in 2024, world junior world championship crown in 2024, and world championship gold in 2025. Even in Minnesota, he was on a winning club before the Hughes trade.
“In Minnesota, even young guys had 300 or 400 games, but we’re all in this together and learning every day from our mistakes,” added Buium. “That comes with time and experience.”
Blueliners can’t be caught up ice on pinches, or scrambling in their own zone and missing assignments and positioning. Especially for a young and potential-packed back end that includes Willander, 21, and Elias Pettersson, 22.
Their skill is often overshadowed by the will to make a big play or a big hit, rather than dialling it down and playing a calmer and more consistent game. Frustration often overshadowed everything, and Willander wasn’t shy about cutting to the chase with spicy post-game critiques.
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“This season has been interesting for many different reasons,” admitted Willander. “But a great experience for me with a lot happening and doing a good job and pulling through and getting better. Ultimately, that’s what is important.”
Playing simple might be the solution. Willander and Buium have great wheels, but have been overzealous at both ends of the ice has led to turnovers and chasing the game.
“It’s trusting each other and trusting the system,” added Buium. “Personally, sometimes when we get tired or frustrated, you miss your guy or a certain play because your head is somewhere else. It’s staying focused and in the moment.
“Maybe, give it that extra five or 10 seconds or going a little bit harder. And if you get the puck, you’re playing offence again.”
And then the the natural instincts of speed and playmaking kick in.
“Guys started to come together and be really excited for next year,” summed up Buium. “We kind of have that foundation now, and hopefully, build something special.”
Overhardt handles 32 clients on 21 NHL teams, and said there is something that sets Buium apart at such a young age.
“A dynamic human being,” said Overhardt. “He’s all about winning and really cares about developing team chemistry. And his skills speak for themselves.”
Buium has another year left on his contract before becoming a restricted free agent. The Canucks could lock him up long-term in the offseason and make him a foundation piece for a brighter future.
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