The easy consensus is defence is the hardest position for acclimation to the NHL.

Reads, reactions, positioning, physical play, puck movement, offensive flair, and consistency can take years to develop.

Zeev Buium, who turned 20 last week, has already made all that look quite effortless.

The new Vancouver Canucks rookie built a strong foundation by capturing world championship gold with the U.S. last May and a world junior title, put up 48 points in 41 games (13-35) in his final NCAA season at Denver, and has logged 32 games this NHL season.

And in a Sunday matinee at New Jersey, the highly-touted trade acquisition drew the second assist on Jake DeBrusk’s opening power-play goal at 61 seconds. He then had his cross-ice power play feed from the slot to the far post go into the net off

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