NHL IN 60 SECONDS
The Vancouver Canucks have signed 20-year-old defenceman Zeev Buium to an eight-year, $75.04 million contract beginning in 2027-28. Elsewhere, NHL changes for 2026-27 include mandatory protective equipment, an increased regular season and employed emergency netminders for every franchise. The St. Louis Blues have reshaped their roster, adding centre depth, defensive stability and physicality while parting with their leading goal scorer from the previous three seasons.
THE BIG FIVE
Canucks sign Zeev Buium to an eight-year contract
Buium signed an eight-year, $75.04 million contract with Vancouver, carrying a $9.38 million average annual value from 2027-28. He was acquired alongside Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren and a 2026 first-round pick in the trade that sent Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild on 12 December 2025. Buium had 12 points in 45 games for Vancouver last season.
IHM Signal: Vancouver have made a long-term commitment to a 20-year-old defenceman they acquired less than a year ago.
Coach Mark: Long-term investment can bring attention, but a young defenceman’s role should continue to be built around his on-ice performance.
READ FULL STORY: Zeev Buium signs eight-year deal with Canucks
Buium extension underlines Vancouver’s long-term view
Vancouver described Buium as a key member of its young core following his eight-year agreement. The Canucks said they believe the defenceman can flourish in the environment being built within the organisation.
IHM Signal: The Canucks have publicly positioned Buium as an important part of their future.
Coach Mark: Clear expectations and a defined role can help a young player handle the attention that comes with a major contract.
St. Louis Blues reshape roster for 2026-27
The Blues have added centre depth, defensive stability and physicality for 2026-27 while parting with their leading goal scorer from the past three seasons.
IHM Signal: St. Louis have targeted depth and defensive stability in their roster changes.
Coach Mark: Added depth can give a coaching staff more options as it establishes combinations during the season.
Six NHL CBA changes to know for 2026-27
The 2026-27 season is set to bring six notable changes, including mandatory protective equipment and an increased regular season.
IHM Signal: The coming changes affect both player equipment and the regular-season schedule.
Coach Mark: Any change to equipment requirements or the schedule needs to be reflected in a club’s preparation.
Spontaneous EBUG moments set to end
The 2026-27 NHL season will no longer feature spontaneous emergency backup goaltender moments, with every franchise to have an employed netminder available in an emergency.
IHM Signal: Emergency goaltending coverage is set to become a standardised part of NHL operations.
Coach Mark: Clear emergency procedures remain important whenever a team has to manage an in-game goaltending issue.
IHM SHORT ICE
No additional Short Ice items today.
IHM NHL PULSE
Preparation changes for 2026-27
Mandatory protective equipment, an increased regular season and new emergency-goaltender arrangements are among the changes identified ahead of the campaign.
Blues add roster balance
St. Louis have focused their roster changes on centre depth, defensive stability and physicality.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING NEXT
- Buium’s final season on his entry-level contract before his new deal begins in 2027-28.
- The introduction of the NHL changes for the 2026-27 season.
- How the Blues’ reshaped roster begins the new campaign.
SHORT ICE Q&A
What are the terms of Zeev Buium’s new deal?
Buium signed for eight years and $75.04 million, with a $9.38 million average annual value. The contract begins in 2027-28.
When did Vancouver acquire Buium?
Vancouver acquired Buium on 12 December 2025 in the trade that sent Quinn Hughes to Minnesota. Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren and a 2026 first-round pick were also part of the return.
Will spontaneous EBUG appearances continue in 2026-27?
No. Each franchise will have an employed netminder available in an emergency.
What did the Blues prioritise in their roster changes?
They added centre depth, defensive stability and physicality while parting with their leading goal scorer from the previous three seasons.
FAN PULSE
Do you support the Canucks’ decision to sign Zeev Buium to an eight-year deal? (Choose one) a) Strongly support b) Somewhat support c) Oppose d) No opinion