Zeev Buium Faces Early Season Struggles and Defensive Growing Pains

Vancouver Canucks young defenseman Zeev Buium is enduring a difficult start to the 2026-27 campaign, tallying just one point in eight games and being demoted to the third pair. Despite carrying a massive $9.38 million extension starting next season, the 20-year-old has struggled defensively with 12 giveaways and poor 5-on-5 metrics. While fans are concerned, experts stress patience as he adapts to Manny Malhotra's system during the early stages of Vancouver's ongoing rebuild.