In a recent interview on the 31 Thoughts podcast with Jeff Mark and Eliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Kevin Bieksa balked at the notion that he was retired from playing hockey professionally.
The former Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks defenceman will be representing Canada at the Spengler Cup, also known as the other international tournament that takes place over the holidays.
The Spengler typically doesn’t have the same hype around it that the World Junior tournament generates (especially when the latter is being held in Canada), but the competition between a host of European club teams and nations in Davos has a loyal following.
Bieksa will likely be in the mix to captain the Team Canad’s bid to make it four championships in a row. Joining the veteran of 808 NHL games will be fellow former Canucks in Adam Cracknell, Zac Dalpe, Andrew Ebbett, Max Lapierre and Patrick Wiercoch.
Bieksa was a fan favourite in Vancouver and has been out of the NHL since finishing last season with the Anaheim Ducks. He’s made it clear family is his main priority these days, but has also indicated he would welcome a return to the pros if the opportunity was there.
It’s rare that a player makes it back to the NHL after taking part in the Spengler, but it’s not impossible. Bieksa has also said that he’s in “better shape than 95 percent of current players and 100 percent of the media.”
He’s also a great presence in any dressing room, and it’s not crazy to think a playoff-bound NHL team might have some interest in the defenceman as a depth piece if injuries start to mount.
If it doesn’t happen for him, there’s no reason for it to tarnish his legacy. Bieksa was one of the better defenceman to don a Vancouver Canucks’ sweater, and his history as a longshot NHL prospect only makes his story more compelling.
There’s a good chance he’s recognized in the Canucks’ ring of honour that circles Rogers Arena’s rafters when he finally calls it quits for good.
Like the World Juniors, the Spengler Cup begins play on Boxing Day.
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