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Demotion to third defensive pair for Canucks’ Buium ‘not a step backward’ according to Malhotra

Photo credit: © @Canucks on X/Twitter

By Jeff Paterson

Oct 13, 2026, 14:39 EDTUpdated: Oct 13, 2026, 14:41 EDT

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Manny Malhotra says dropping Zeev Buium to a third pair alongside Luke Schenn for tonight’s game against the New York Islanders ‘isn’t a step backward’ for the promising 20-year-old defenceman.

Speaking to media on Long Island after the Vancouver Canucks morning skate, the head coach was asked about the message being sent to Buium by moving him from the top pair with Filip Hronek to a spot lower in the lineup where he’s likely to see fewer minutes and probably play against the bottom of the Islanders’ lineup.

“To play a few minutes less in a game is not by any means a step backward,” Malhotra said. “It’s looking at the big picture of his development. It’s putting him in different situations against different match-ups (with) different line partners. It doesn’t mean it’s a strike against him in any way. It’s just another opportunity to continue to learn.”

As it has been for many Canucks players, it’s been a tough start to the season for Buium who has just one point through seven games. Beyond the counting statistics, the San Diego native has been buried according to virtually all shot metrics. The shot attempts at 5-on-5 favour Canucks opponents 138-94 while the actual shots on goal have been 71-45. And the club has been outscored 9-6 in Buium’s 137:46 of 5-on-5 ice time. On his own, Buium has managed just six shots on goal through seven games.

In addition to be bumped from the top pairing, based on the morning skate alignments, it appears Buium has been removed from the Canucks power play for the time being. Tom Willander skated as the lone defenceman on the second unit during drills this morning at UBS Arena.

Buium is in the final year of his entry level contract. His new $75 million extension signed in September does not kick in until next season.

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