Zeev Buium’s new long-term deal with the Vancouver Canucks is about more than money and term. It’s about fit, belief, and a sense that the organization is moving in the right direction.
After signing an eight-year contract, Buium joined NHL Network and pointed to three big reasons he chose to commit to Vancouver: the fan base, the young talent around him, and the people now guiding the team.
“I think a big thing is just the belief they had in me to want to get this done as well,” Buium said. “The second I got here last year, I just really fell in love with the city, the fans, the organization itself.”
That connection to Vancouver clearly mattered. Even through a rough season in the standings, he said the support never faded.
“We were last in the league, having a tough go, and they’re showing up every night, and they’re cheering,” he said. “They’re so invested and passionate.”
Buium also sounded energized by the Canucks’ new leadership setup. He specifically mentioned general manager Ryan Johnson, co-presidents Henrik and Daniel Sedin, and head coach Manny Malhotra as part of why he feels good about where the franchise is headed.
“It just really seems like things are starting to go the right way,” Buium said. “I think we all kind of align in our vision and what we want this organization to look like down the road.”
He sees that same promise in the locker room. When asked which teammates might open eyes this season, Buium named Tom Willander, Liam Öhgren, and Paul Cotter.
“I think obviously a guy like Willander,” he said. “I think Öhgren is another guy who can. I played against him growing up, obviously World Junior stuff like that, but his shot is just so lethal and he’s fast.”
Buium also said the group’s bond has already grown off the ice, something he believes can help the team continue to develop together.
“Everyone always wants to be together,” he said. “We kind of understand the balance of working hard and being serious, but at the same time having fun with it.”
The size of the contract is still sinking in, too. Buium said signing a $75.04 million NHL deal is hard to wrap his head around.
“Honestly, it still doesn’t feel real,” he said. “We were just San Diego boys playing for fun, and mom and dad just driving us to the rink. It’s crazy to think where we are now.”
For Vancouver, the agreement locks in a major piece of its young core for the long haul. For Buium, it’s a chance to keep building with a fan base and leadership group he believes in.
In Other News...
Canucks Prospects Suddenly Have A Real Shot To Stick
Ryan Johnson is setting a noticeably different tone heading into Canucks training camp, one that puts real weight on every rep and every roster battle. The general manager said Vancouver will give all players a clean slate, and he made clear the organization wants to avoid the old habit of shuttling young players back and forth between the NHL and American Hockey League.
For a group of prospects expected to be in camp, that approach changes the stakes. If a young player earns a promotion, Johnson believes he should stay put so the development path is protected, which means the openings in camp are not just for a temporary look. For prospects trying to turn a strong showing into something more lasting, the message is simple enough: make the team now, and the Canucks may be willing to keep you there. [Read more 🡒]
Canucks Fans Just Got A Familiar New Postgame Voice
A familiar voice is sliding back into the Vancouver Canucks orbit this season. Jamie Dodd, the former Sportsnet 650 on-air personality, will co-host Rink Wide Vancouvers postgame livestreams for most Canucks games, giving fans another steady place to land after the final horn.
Dodd is set to begin with the preseason game on Sept. 22 and the regular-season opener on Sept. 29, while other co-hosts will handle the remaining broadcasts. The show will continue to be offered as both a livestream and a podcast, keeping the postgame conversation easy to find no matter how fans prefer to follow along. [Read more 🡒]
Canucks Suddenly Face A Bigger Thatcher Demko Question At Camp
Thatcher Demkos camp availability is already shaping up to be one of the Canucks first real storylines of the preseason. General manager Ryan Johnson said the goaltender will not be fully participating this week as he continues to recover from hip surgery, even though he is still skating and working out on his own in Penticton. For a team that has leaned on Demko as a foundational piece, any update on his health naturally draws attention, especially when the calendar flips to camp and the first signs of the season start coming into focus.
Johnson framed the situation as a matter of patience and support, stressing that the organization wants Demkos recovery handled properly and noting his determination to get back as part of Vancouvers future. The important part for the Canucks is that this is not a setback in effort or intent, but it does leave one of their biggest questions hanging over the week as the rest of the roster settles into full camp work. [Read more 🡒]