Zeev Buium, Filip Hronek and 3 other key Canucks questions for 2026-27

Zeev Buium enters the 2026-27 outlook as Vancouver’s most promising young player after a standout rookie season despite being traded midway through his first full NHL year. At 20, the left-shot defenseman logged major minutes for a struggling, dysfunctional team, yet his hockey IQ and one-on-one willingness stood out from the blue line. The main concern isn’t just his 6-foot, 183-pound frame, but the risk of how his development could shape his NHL “archetype.” Like other under-6-1 lefties, he may need careful handling—especially for power-play reps. Last season’s power play lagged, particularly versus Filip Hronek’s strong production.