Zeev Buium, the young defenseman formerly with the Minnesota Wild, has officially joined the Vancouver Canucks following a major trade. At just 20 years old, he became a key piece in the deal that sent star defenseman Quinn Hughes to Minnesota.
Trade Details
The trade occurred last Friday and involved multiple players. The Wild obtained:
- Quinn Hughes, 26, Norris Trophy-winning defenseman
- Marco Rossi, center
- Liam Ohgren, winger
- A 2026 first-round draft pick
In exchange, the Canucks secured Buium, who had previously been viewed as a foundational piece for the Wild.
Buium’s Response to the Trade
Reflecting on the move, Buium expressed no feelings of deception regarding his status with the Wild. He praised Wild General Manager Bill Guerin, stating, “He’s an unbelievable person. He wants to try and win now.” He recognized the necessity of the trade for the team’s progress.
Performance With the Canucks
In his debut match for the Canucks, Buium contributed significantly, recording two points during a 2-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. These included an assist on Jake DeBrusk’s opening goal and a goal credited to him due to a deflection.
Background and Career Progression
Buium was drafted 12th overall by the Wild in the 2024 NHL Draft. During his time at the University of Denver, he accumulated an impressive 98 points over 83 games. This season, before the trade, he had registered 14 points in 31 games as a rookie.
Buium’s Future with the Canucks
While not taking the trade personally, Buium views it as motivation to elevate his game. He believes this exchange represents a mutual benefit for both the Canucks and the Wild. He aims to prove that the Canucks made a smart decision in acquiring him.
As Buium adjusts to his new role, he is determined to embrace the challenge and develop into a player akin to Hughes. His commitment to growth and adaptation will be crucial as he navigates this new chapter in his career.
