Longtime Vancouver defenceman Bieksa to sign 1-day deal to retire as Canuck
Bieksa's retirement will be celebrated on Nov. 3 when Vancouver hosts Anaheim
Defenceman Kevin Bieksa will sign a one-day contract with the Vancouver Canucks to mark his retirement from the NHL on Nov. 3, the team announced on Thursday.
The move will also be celebrated by the team when the Canucks host the Anaheim Ducks that night.
Bieksa spent his first 10 seasons in the NHL (2005-06 to 2014-15) with Vancouver, which drafted him in the fifth round (151st overall) in the 2001 draft. He spent the final three years of his career with the Ducks, having last played in the 2017-18 season.
In a statement, the 41-year-old called it a "privilege" to start his career with the Canucks and said "it's fitting I retire as one."
Bieksa's coming home 🥹<br><br>Celebrate with us as Kevin Bieksa signs a one-day contract to retire from the NHL as a Vancouver Canuck.<br><br>TICKETS | <a href="https://t.co/q6LCyGfCG5">https://t.co/q6LCyGfCG5</a> <a href="https://t.co/XqBw28cfe3">pic.twitter.com/XqBw28cfe3</a>
—@CanucksHe is sixth among Vancouver defencemen in points (241) and assists (185), tied for seventh in goals (56) and seventh in games played for the franchise (597).
The Grimsby, Ont., native totalled 278 points (63 goals, 215 assists) in 808 career games.