Canucks Sign Kevin Bieksa to a Three-Year Extension

[Thrillhouse]

Vancouver, B.C. – Vancouver Canucks Senior Vice-President and General Manager Dave Nonis announced today that the Canucks have signed defenceman Kevin Bieksa to a three year extension beginning in 2008-09 through 2010-11.

Bieksa, 26, concluded the 2006-07 season with 42 points (12-30-42) in 81 games played, finishing tied for 24th in scoring amongst all NHL defencemen. His 12 goals ranked in the top 20 among NHL defencemen.

The Grimsby, Ontario-native led Canucks defencemen in points (42) and assists (30) and was second amongst Canucks skaters in average ice time per game (24:16). Bieksa went on to play in nine playoff games, registering 20 penalty minutes. The 6’1”, 205-pound blueliner was also honoured with two team awards: the Walter (Babe) Pratt award for Best Defenceman and the Fred J. Hume award as the unsung hero.

In two seasons, Bieksa has recorded 48 points (12-36-48) and 211 penalty minutes in 120 NHL career games played.

Bieksa was selected by the Canucks in the 5th round, 151st overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

[stevecanuck16]

Excellent news...just wondering how much he's making now. Either way, we've got our top 4 d-men all locked up now.

[Odjick29]

awesome news, love my Bieksa jersey

[duda.radek]

Bieksa was great last season!

[Snipes19]

Not only is Bieksa one of the toughest middleweights in the league, but this guy is great at playing his position on defense. He's a true shut-down top-4 defenseman for the Canucks, so it's a win-win situation with Bieksa. Great move by Vancouver to re-sign this guy!

[canuckfan]

Vancouver's blue line is locked up pretty solid for the next 3 or 4 years - Bieksa, Ohlund, Salo, and Mitchell, plus Luongo, are all under contract for another 3 years at the least - although I think Ohlund's is up in 2 years.

Good signing - further solidifies Vancouver's position as having one of the best defense corps in the league right now - and with Luc Bourdon hopefully ready to jump into the lineup next year, it can only get stronger.

Now, I only hope that now Kevin has the big contract he doesn't start turning soft next season, and keeps plaing with that edge thats earned him so many fans

[GIANTSFAN]

Originally Posted by Wes McSnipes

Not only is Bieksa one of the toughest middleweights in the league, but this guy is great at playing his position on defense. He's a true shut-down top-4 defenseman for the Canucks, so it's a win-win situation with Bieksa. Great move by Vancouver to re-sign this guy!

Bieksa is a complete spot picker. If he actually starts fighting some decent competition than maybe we can mention him as a middleweight. Also, he probably overachieved last season, so I'd be surprised if he gets as many points this season as he did in his rookie year. Many players have that sophomore slump.

[HordiBrusk29]

Looks like it's a 3 year extension worth $11.25 million.

[Odjick29]

Originally Posted by GIANTSFAN

Bieksa is a complete spot picker. If he actually starts fighting some decent competition than maybe we can mention him as a middleweight. Also, he probably overachieved last season, so I'd be surprised if he gets as many points this season as he did in his rookie year. Many players have that sophomore slump.

I wouldn't say he is a spot-picker, I just know that when he was fighting management told him to keep his gloves on as we needed him on the ice...he was one of the only guys to defend his team last year...I remember on a few instances him and Cowan both did nothing to Luongo getting bumped etc and that's why I think we need to sign a guy like Low but I know it won't happen...

[ProbieRules]

good signing...and yes this team needs a HW.

[BGDDYKWL]

Good move here for Vancouver. He was excellent last year. Pretty reasonable terms too.

[peacemaker]

Nothing against Bieksa as I am thrilled to get him back, but it's crazy to think that with 1 really good year he is pushing the $4million mark (again, I think this is a good signing).
The league and it's salary structure are out of whack. Hopefully we will see some of these salaries come back down when the Cap number goes down in the future.
As for Bieksa; Great move by Nonis. I think Bieksa, as a UFA, would command up to $5mill next season if he plays well this yr. Better to sign him now than get into a bidding war for him in 12 months.

I believe all of our key d-men are now tied up for 2-3 seasons. Edler and Bourdon should battle for a spot.

I believe I have read that Sopel will likely not be offered a contract, and Fitzpatrick will? Anyone hear anything else?

[Odjick29]

^ that's the thing...if he has a great year coming up, waits until UFA status, some crazy GM will pay him 5M+ which would put the nucks in a tough situation...lock him up now, maybe pay him a bit more then he deserves but his potential is huge and this could turn out to be a great bargain...This guy will wear the C one day

[DaveBrown69]

Looks like a good signing IMO.

[Isles4life]

He's emerging as a real solid all-around blueliner for the Canucks. He's a tough player out there, but that's not his role on the team, and they could use someone to spell Bieksa and Cowan from being expected to carry all the physical load.