‘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.’ \u2014 Canucks defenceman Zeev Buium.<\/p>\n
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Published Apr 18, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 1\u00a0hour ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 4 minute read<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n You can save this article by registering for free here<\/a>. Or sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n Kevin Bieksa shoots from the lip with constructive criticism that is often tempered by a touch of humour.<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.<\/p>\n SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Account<\/p>\n or<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Bieksa sees potential for greatness in 20-year-old rookie Zeev Buium, a key return in the blockbuster Quinn Hughes trade.<\/p>\n The two first crossed paths seven years ago at a Detroit development camp run by agent Kurt Overhardt, who now represents Buium.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve known Zeev since he was 13 and have been helping him for a while,\u201d Bieksa told Postmedia on Thursday. \u201cVery 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the fight in his play down the stretch in meaningless games with leadership and his interviews to lead by example. He\u2019s a winner at every level. And you can tell he prioritizes and values that over points and stats. Most kids are the opposite, unfortunately.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll continue to get better because of his attitude and who he is, which is scary.\u201d<\/p>\n Canucks Report<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n The evidence is starting to mount.<\/p>\n Buium\u2019s 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 H\u00f6glander for a backdoor tally.<\/p>\n The San Diego native logged 25 minutes that night, won the season\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not going to sit here right now and be happy that everything was good and we won this game and that game,\u201d stressed Buium. \u201cWe have to focus on eliminating the mistakes and find ways to win. Toward the end, we tried to figure it out.<\/p>\n Advertisement 4<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n \u201cI learned a lot about my game (this season) and started to find my confidence, learning what I can and can\u2019t do, and when to push the pace or sit back a little bit. I\u2019m learning how to stay positive and not beat yourself up. I\u2019ve found ways to keep pushing through and see light at end of the tunnel.\u201d<\/p>\n Buium is accustomed to the joy of winning and not the pain of losing.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIn Minnesota, even young guys had 300 or 400 games, but we\u2019re all in this together and learning every day from our mistakes,\u201d added Buium. \u201cThat comes with time and experience.\u201d<\/p>\n Blueliners can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019t shy about cutting to the chase with spicy post-game critiques.<\/p>\n Advertisement 5<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n \u201cThis season has been interesting for many different reasons,\u201d admitted Willander. \u201cBut a great experience for me with a lot happening and doing a good job and pulling through and getting better. Ultimately, that\u2019s what is important.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s trusting each other and trusting the system,\u201d added Buium. \u201cPersonally, sometimes when we get tired or frustrated, you miss your guy or a certain play because your head is somewhere else. It\u2019s staying focused and in the moment.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe, give it that extra five or 10 seconds or going a little bit harder. And if you get the puck, you\u2019re playing offence again.\u201d<\/p>\n And then the the natural instincts of speed and playmaking kick in.<\/p>\n \u201cGuys started to come together and be really excited for next year,\u201d summed up Buium. \u201cWe kind of have that foundation now, and hopefully, build something special.\u201d<\/p>\n Overhardt handles 32 clients on 21 NHL teams, and said there is something that sets Buium apart at such a young age.<\/p>\n \u201cA dynamic human being,\u201d said Overhardt. \u201cHe\u2019s all about winning and really cares about developing team chemistry. And his skills speak for themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n bkuzma@postmedia.com<\/a><\/p>\n Read More<\/p>\n![\"zeev](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/png0417-rutherford_302642590.jpg\")
‘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.’ \u2014 Canucks defenceman Zeev Buium. Photo by Arlen Redekop \/PNGArticle content<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/21.0.2\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-vp.svg\"){kind=logo}
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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<\/p>\n
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