Canucks' Zeev Buium Cultivates Off-Ice Brotherhood with Young Defensemen
In the midst of a demanding roster rebuild, Vancouver Canucks rookie defenseman Zeev Buium is forging strong connections with his fellow young blueliners, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie away from the rink. The 20-year-old, acquired in the blockbuster Quinn Hughes trade, is navigating his first NHL season alongside Tom Willander, 21, and Elias Pettersson, 22, as they face the pressures of professional hockey.
The Legacy of the 'Breakfast Club'
The concept of off-ice bonding is not new to the Canucks. The legendary 'Breakfast Club' once saw young players and veteran Chris Tanev gather secretly for waffles topped with strawberries, bananas, and cream. Former captain Quinn Hughes initiated these meetings, which grew to include Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, and others, creating an urban legend due to their devotion and undisclosed location.
"It was a little hole in the wall, and it was nice. I'll take anyone," Hughes, then 20, told Postmedia. "Tanev and I would go pretty much every other day. We just liked the place because it was so private."
Building Bonds in a New City
For Buium, who hails from San Diego, adjusting to Vancouver has been a positive experience. "I didn't know much about Vancouver, but it's beautiful. There's a lot to do, and I've had a blast," he shared after a recent practice. "We're all on the same page and have the same energy. We want to be here for each other, lean on each other, and we're going through the same things."
This bond is crucial as the young defensemen endure a taxing season. Buium, accustomed to winning with gold medals at the under-18, world juniors (twice), and world championship levels, is now facing the unfamiliar challenge of losing. "It's a long time since I've been on a team with a losing record," he noted, recalling a tough U-17 season with the U.S. National Team Development Program. "I also know what it's like to stay with that same group and come out on top."
On-Ice Development and Challenges
Buium's rookie campaign has seen ups and downs, with 22 points (5 goals, 17 assists) in 60 games, ranking fourth among rookie defensemen in scoring, but also a minus-21 rating. He emphasized the importance of consistency and learning from established NHL players like Quinn Hughes, Josh Morrissey, and Roman Josi. "Every team we play, there's a No. 1 guy like Rasmus Dahlin, who you grew up watching, and it's cool to play against them," Buium said.
Canucks head coach Adam Foote praised Buium's development, noting his swagger and vision. "He's going to learn there are times when he's feeling it, but I like how he's not intimidated by the traffic," Foote commented. "He's got the ability to create separation, and his positional play in his own zone is pretty good."
Looking Ahead with Optimism
With 16 games remaining, Buium and his teammates are focused on building confidence for the future. "We have a very motivated group here and a lot of young guys who want to succeed, so hopefully in the future we'll bring it home," he expressed. The post-trade deadline period has brought improved morale, allowing the team to concentrate without distractions.
Injury updates include defenseman Elias Pettersson, who participated in practice after a left-knee injury in a recent loss to the Seattle Kraken. "I got banged up yesterday, and they held me back, but everything is fine now," Pettersson assured.
As the Canucks continue their rebuild, the off-ice brotherhood fostered by Buium and his peers may prove instrumental in navigating the challenges ahead, echoing the spirit of past team traditions.
