Makar’s $163.2M Extension Serves As A Reminder Of Why The Canucks Should Sign Zeev Buium Long-Term Sooner Rather Than Later

Makar wasn't the only defenceman to sign a hefty long-term deal this off-season. Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Bowen Byram inked a $12.5M AAV contract that will keep him with Chicago for six years. Turmoil even surrounds ex- Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, who is entering the final year of his $7.85M AAV come 2026–27.

These bulky contracts for high-calibre NHL defencemen, while not on the same scale, serve as a stark reminder for the Canucks of something that they should be mindful of regarding young star Zeev Buium. The 20-year-old defenceman will enter the final year of his entry-level contract in 2026–27 and will become a UFA if not signed by the end of the season.

Observing the trends with players like Makar and Byram, and even Hughes, should encourage the Canucks to not just re-sign him, but lock Buium up long-term sooner rather than later if they can.