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Kevin Bieksa

Kevin Bieksa is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman best known for his NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kevin Bieksa is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman best known for his NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks. He was drafted by Vancouver in 2001, played 808 regular-season games in the NHL, and later became a television hockey analyst. Bieksa officially retired with a one-day contract with the Canucks in 2022.

Early life and amateur career

Bieksa was born in Grimsby, Ontario, and played hockey in Ontario before entering the NHL. Sources identify him as a local product from Grimsby and note his amateur development in Canadian junior hockey.

NHL career

Bieksa was selected by Vancouver in the 2001 NHL Draft and spent most of his career with the Canucks before joining the Ducks in 2015. His NHL career included 808 regular-season games and 86 playoff appearances.

Retirement and broadcasting career

After his playing career, Bieksa became a hockey analyst in Canadian media. Vancouver announced in 2022 that he would sign a one-day contract and retire officially with the Canucks.

Playing style

Bieksa was known as a physical defenceman who played with energy and was willing to fight. Player profiles describe him as an agitator with a strong shot and an aggressive style.

Key facts

  • Drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 2001 after playing junior hockey in Ontario.
  • Played 12 seasons in the Vancouver organization before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks in 2015.
  • Appeared in 808 NHL regular-season games and recorded 278 points.
  • Played in 86 NHL playoff games across 10 post-season appearances.
  • Officially retired in 2022 by signing a one-day contract with Vancouver.
  • Became a television analyst after his playing career, including work with Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada.
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Canadian context

Bieksa is a Canadian-born NHL player from Ontario and later became a prominent Canadian hockey broadcaster, making him familiar to Canadian sports audiences.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kevin Bieksa?
Kevin Bieksa is a Canadian former NHL defenceman from Grimsby, Ontario, known for playing mainly with the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks.
What position did Kevin Bieksa play?
He played defence and shot right-handed.
When was Kevin Bieksa drafted?
He was drafted in the 2001 NHL Draft by the Vancouver Canucks, 151st overall in the fifth round.
How many NHL games did Kevin Bieksa play?
He played 808 regular-season NHL games.
When did Kevin Bieksa retire?
He officially retired in 2022 after signing a one-day contract with the Vancouver Canucks.
What does Kevin Bieksa do after hockey?
He works as a television hockey analyst, including roles with Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Bieksa
    Supports: Retirement announcement and one-day contract with the Canucks.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/3269/kevin-bieksa
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, draft information, and NHL player identification.
  3. Sportsnet — https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/kevin-bieksa-signing-one-day-contract-with-canucks-to-officially-retire/
    Supports: Career totals, trade to Anaheim, retirement, and broadcasting role.
  4. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/9682/kevin-bieksa
    Supports: Birthplace, position, handedness, draft details, and player style descriptors.