Kevin Bieksa signs 1-day contract to officially retire with Canucks

Tonight’s game between the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks will be a celebration of Kevin Bieksa’s career.

The long-time Canucks defenceman signed a one-day contract with Vancouver today to officially retire with the club he spent the majority of his career with.

A Vancouver Canuck once again. pic.twitter.com/nqRlDoYZHY

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) November 3, 2022

He even suited up and joined the team for their morning skate today, which left many fans jokingly wondering why he couldn't sign a longer deal to help with the club’s struggling blue line.

Bieksa played 597 of his 808 career NHL games with Vancouver, recording 56 goals and 185 assists while racking up 879 penalty minutes.

Welcome home, Juice! pic.twitter.com/DIGztRwhS3

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) November 3, 2022

He also suited up for 71 playoff games for the Canucks, scoring one of the biggest goals in franchise history in one of them.

The Grimsby, Ont. native’s overtime winner in game five of the Western Conference Final against the San Jose Sharks sent the Canucks to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final.

He said in a statement that he’s both honoured and grateful to officially end his NHL playing career as a member of the Canucks.

"It was a privilege to start my career with this amazing organization, in this incredible city, with the best fans in the league,” the 41-year-old explained. “I am and always have been a Canuck at heart and it's fitting I retire as one."

One of the boys. pic.twitter.com/jvVqPf8Crn

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) November 3, 2022

Of course, tonight’s game will feature the only other team Bieksa played for during his 13-year stint in the NHL.

He was traded to Anaheim in June 2015 and played three seasons with the Ducks, making his final NHL appearance during the 2017-18 playoffs.